Key facts
- Nine European countries are asking Brussels to extend emergency flexibility for the Entry/Exit System.
- The countries argue the bloc is not ready to phase out current safeguards due to the new biometric border system.
- A joint letter dated July 7 was sent to Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner.
- The mechanism allows border authorities to temporarily suspend fingerprint and facial scan collection to ease congestion.
- The current flexibility is due to expire on September 6, 2026.
- Industry groups have warned of significant disruption and long queues during the summer travel season.
A coalition of nine European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland, has formally requested that Brussels extend the emergency flexibility for the bloc's new Entry/Exit System (EES).
In a joint letter dated July 7, the ministers expressed concerns that the system's initial months of operation have revealed "significant difficulties" that cannot be overlooked. They are urging the European Commission to allow member states to continue using the system's built-in emergency mechanism beyond its scheduled expiration on September 6, 2026.
This emergency mechanism permits border authorities, in exceptional circumstances, to temporarily suspend the collection of travelers' fingerprints and facial scans. This measure aims to alleviate congestion and ensure the continued registration of all individuals entering and leaving the Schengen area.
The countries are seeking written guarantees from the Commission regarding this issue before the current flexibility period ends. They reaffirmed their support for the EES but emphasized the need for continued operational adjustments.
Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert acknowledged the countries' commitment to the EES and noted that the legislation already includes flexibilities, such as the possibility of suspending biometric data collection during the summer. He stated that the Commission is in close contact with the few member states experiencing challenges.
This appeal comes as airports, airlines, and ferry operators report substantial disruption and long queues at borders due to the new system. Industry groups contend that technical and operational issues are unlikely to be fully resolved by early September, raising concerns about the upcoming summer travel season.