Stop pretending EU’s new border system is working, says airports boss

Stefan Schulte, president of ACI Europe, has urged EU ministers to acknowledge that the region's new biometric border control system (EES) is not functioning effectively, citing significant operational problems.

Schulte, who also heads the company owning Frankfurt airport, stated that the current state of the EES is a major concern for airport CEOs across Europe, particularly with anticipated increases in traffic.

The Schengen Area Entry-Exit System (EES), fully rolled out in April, has led to extensive queues, some lasting up to six hours, and reports of non-EU passengers being repeatedly checked.

He called on the European Commission to develop a new aviation strategy to restore Europe's competitiveness and for Home Affairs Commissioner Brunner and ministers to stop downplaying the issues.

Schulte emphasised the need for border control authorities to have the flexibility to suspend the EES to prevent further chaos, stressing the importance of showing respect to travellers and safeguarding the EU's reputation.