European Union Aims to Address Challenges of New Entry/Exit System for Border Control

The European Union announced its intention to intensify efforts to address challenges related to the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System for border control, following complaints from airports and airlines about delays and disruptions to passenger traffic caused by the system.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the European Commission will provide additional support to member states still facing difficulties in operating the system, contributing to improving procedural efficiency and reducing waiting times at border crossings.

The new system replaces manual passport stamping with electronic recording of travelers' personal and biometric data, aiming to enhance the security of the EU's external borders and track cases of overstaying legal residence or attempts to enter without meeting conditions.

Brunner's remarks came in response to a joint letter from organizations representing the European aviation sector, warning that the system's implementation led to waiting times of up to five hours at some airports, and calling for urgent measures to reduce congestion during the summer travel season.

He noted that the system's rules include some flexibility during the summer holiday season of 2026 until early September, including the possibility of suspending biometric data recording in some cases, to ease pressure at border crossings.

He explained that some congestion cases are also due to operational factors, including staff shortages or limited infrastructure at some crossing points, not solely the electronic system.

He stated that more than 110 million people have used the Entry/Exit System since its implementation began in October 2025, while over 44,000 people have been denied entry to the European Union, mainly due to not meeting required travel documents or visas.

Brunner affirmed that the system is being implemented gradually and thoughtfully, and is an important step to enhance Europe's security and improve its external border management, noting that the European Commission will hold a meeting tomorrow with aviation sector representatives to discuss operational challenges and mechanisms to improve the system's implementation in the coming period.