Von der Leyen admits EU entry system causes airport problems

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has publicly acknowledged that the new digital entry and exit system (EES) is experiencing technical problems. This admission follows widespread complaints about multi-hour delays at EU borders and airports.

Speaking at a press conference in Cork, Ireland, von der Leyen stated that the European Commission is collaborating with member states to address the system's operational difficulties. "We are working with member states to solve the technical problems," she said.

The issues have been particularly pronounced during the summer tourist season. Airports and airlines warn that the new system, which requires biometric data from non-EU travelers, is causing lengthy waits, flight delays, and missed connections. This is the first time the European Commission has publicly admitted significant difficulties, having previously claimed the system's impact was limited at most airports.

Representatives from European airports and airlines report that passengers face waits of up to five hours at border control during peak times. They have requested that member states be allowed to temporarily suspend the system's implementation during July and August. The EES system requires fingerprinting and facial photos for non-EU citizens upon their first entry into the EU. Its goal is to replace passport stamps with a digital record to better detect overstays and the use of forged travel documents.

Despite the problems, the European Commission emphasizes the system's contribution to increased security. According to Irish Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, nearly 110 million passengers have passed through the EES system since its introduction, identifying approximately 1,000 individuals deemed security risks to the EU.

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We are working with member states to solve the technical problems