EU eases entry-exit system rollout amid delays
Europe
Sat, 2 May 2026 7:54 GMT
The European Commission is allowing member-states flexible implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES), launched fully April 10, amid complaints of long lines, delays, and missed flights.
The European Commission is allowing member-states flexible implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES), launched fully April 10, amid complaints of long lines, delays, and missed flights.
The Commission clarified this is not a suspension but “built-in flexibility,” permitting authorities to pause time-consuming functions like biometric registration during peak periods.
Spokesperson Markus Lampert noted processing averages 70 seconds, with 61 million entries and exits recorded since October.
He said problems exist “in certain member-states” but most are functioning normally.
Airlines and governments in Greece, France, Belgium, and Italy have pressed for a full suspension through September.
