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Ryanair has cautioned that the Entry/Exit System (EES) of the EU, which has faced numerous delays, is not currently suitable for testing. This is despite the European Commission’s commitment to initiate the “smart borders” project in a unified manner next year.
The Independent has examined the proof presented by the largest low-cost airline in Europe to the European scrutiny committee of the UK parliament. This supports the worries voiced by high-ranking members of the travel industry about the potential dangers of implementing the Entry/Exit System all at once.
However, Brussels maintains that the integration of all borders into a central database across Europe will take place all at once. Officials in Brussels have informed The Independent that there will be no gradual implementation for the new system.
Ryanair expresses disappointment with the lack of sufficient information and the challenge of creating functional systems from the start.
The airline has stated that they are currently unable to thoroughly test any modifications to their systems, as there have been delays in obtaining test environments. Additionally, they have encountered challenges as certain aspects of the system requirements have not been defined or are lacking clarity.
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This creates a challenging situation in meeting the necessary criteria, despite the ongoing delays in the scheduled implementation.
In general, this entire project has experienced several delays and has been inadequately supervised.
Ryanair has delayed the implementation date three times due to the complicated nature of the programs and the lack of preparedness from border authorities in the EU.
The European Commission is confident that all member states will be prepared by the conclusion of July 2024, and the launch across Europe will take place in the fall.
The introduction of EES marks the largest transformation in the borders of the European Union. It will record all entries and exits from the EU and the wider Schengen zone in a centralized system.
The goal is to enhance the safety of Europe’s borders, especially against potential terrorists, and to address issues of overstaying and illegal migration.
The Entry/Exit System will be implemented in all EU countries except for Cyprus and Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
The United Kingdom played a role in the initial creation of EES until June 2016. Following the EU referendum, the government worked out an agreement for British passport holders to be classified as “third-country nationals” and thus be subject to the new digital system.
After the Entry/Exit System becomes active, individuals from Britain will be required to submit their fingerprints and facial biometrics during their initial interaction with the updated border procedures. For any subsequent trips within a three-year period (or until the passport expires), only one biometric will need to be verified. This is most likely to be the face, as it is simpler to record.
A prominent individual in the travel industry stated to The Independent: “It appears foolish to assume that all border crossings, ranging from Norway and Russia in the Arctic to Bulgaria and Turkey in the south, will be prepared on the same day. It would be more logical to gradually test the process one step at a time.”
However, the EU maintains that the system’s consistency relies on implementing a uniform start date. This will ensure that all individuals entering or exiting Europe on that day can be properly recorded.
According to Christian Wigand, the spokesperson for justice, equality, and rule of law at the European Commission, both his organization and individual member states are collaborating to ensure a successful launch of the Entry/Exit System.
Eurotunnel has set a tentative date of October 6, 2024 for implementation.
According to Mr Wigand’s statement to The Independent, member states should be prepared by the end of July 2024, and the exact start date will be announced at that time.
France asked for a postponement of EES until after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, which are scheduled to finish in early August 2024.
The European Commission proudly claims that the EES offers a significant benefit of time-saving. This system eliminates the need for passport stamping and streamlines border control processes, resulting in a more efficient travel experience for those visiting European countries.
However, the inclusion of fingerprint and facial biometrics will significantly lengthen the processing time at ports, rail terminals, and airports.
The issue is especially challenging at the two difficult borders of the European Union in Kent: the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Passport verifications are “juxtaposed,” which means that French Border Police inspect documents prior to drivers crossing the Channel.
Citizens of the EU will not have to take any tests. Nonetheless, the majority of individuals travelling across the English Channel are British.
Eurotunnel predicts that the typical duration for handling a car at the French border will increase from less than 60 seconds to a range of five to seven minutes for the first input of information.
Approximately six months after the Entry/Exit System becomes operational, UK travelers will be required to obtain an online permit before traveling to Europe.
The Etias, also known as the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System, is projected to be operational by the spring of 2025. Unlike the EES, there will be a grace period of six months for travelers, which means that British vacationers will not be required to have Etias during the summer of 2025.
Source: independent.co.uk
