Key decision in Brussels <\/p>\n
EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner sent a letter to airport and airline executives, stressing that the EES is designed to “keep citizens safe, without undue discomfort for visitors from outside the Schengen area.”<\/p>\n
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He says, in most EU countries and airports, the system “works well.”<\/p>\n
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At the same time, the commissioner acknowledged that passengers are facing longer waiting times at some entry points. He attributed the delays to insufficient staffing and inadequate infrastructure.<\/p>\n
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“The Commission will now make additional efforts to help those Member States that still encounter issues,” Brunner said.<\/p>\n
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Now, member states may temporarily suspend the requirement to collect biometric data to speed up processing.<\/p>\n
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\nAirline industry pressure, recognition of problems
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Brussels” response was prompted by letters from the International Air Transport Association and the Airlines for Europe group. The industry voiced serious concerns over long border queues and travel delays.<\/p>\n
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Previously, Brussels had denied widespread shortcomings in the system.<\/p>\n
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However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has for the first time acknowledged that significant work will be needed to address “technical problems.”<\/p>\n
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\nHow many people have been affected?
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The EES rules were developed over eight years before taking effect. Instead of traditional passport stamps, non-EU travelers now have fingerprints taken and are photographed.<\/p>\n
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According to Politico, since October 2025, the EES has recorded 43,728 cases of denied entry to the EU for rule violations. Of these:<\/p>\n
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16,383 people were traveling without sufficient grounds
\n\t8,739 overstayed their permitted duration
\n\tMore than 400 attempted to cross the border using forged documents.
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Following a gradual rollout, from April 10, 2026, the EES became mandatory for all travelers from non-EU countries entering the Schengen area for short stays.<\/p>\n
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Notable that the official launch of the EES began on October 12, 2025, and full-scale operation at the borders of 29 European countries started on April 10, 2026.<\/p>\n
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The system replaces manual passport stamping with digital registration and applies to citizens of third countries.<\/p>\n
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