Speaking in Cork on 4 July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conceded that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) still faces “quite a lot of technical problems”. The candid remarks come amid mounting complaints from airlines and airports that the biometric checks—now mandatory at all external Schengen borders except in Ireland and Cyprus—have produced queues of up to five hours. Industry bodies ACI Europe, Airlines for Europe and IATA this week sent an open letter urging the Commission to let member states suspend the checks during July–August peaks. They argue that extended wait times are triggering missed flights, crew-roster breaches and mounting costs for ground handlers.
![Von der Leyen Admits EU Biometric Border System Causing ‘Airport Chaos’ in Press Conference in Cork]()
Travelers who need help navigating these evolving border rules can turn to VisaHQ, whose Ireland portal provides fast, up-to-date guidance on Schengen entry procedures, visa options and biometric requirements—useful for both holiday-makers and corporate travel planners facing the new EES hurdles.
Ireland, which is outside Schengen, does not operate EES, but Irish passengers transiting through Paris, Amsterdam or Madrid must complete the fingerprints-and-photo process. Corporate travel managers are therefore advising Irish staff to allow extra time when connecting in the Schengen Area and to register biometrics on first entry where possible. Von der Leyen said officials would meet aviation stakeholders on 7 July to explore short-term relief measures while continuing to highlight security benefits. Irish Minister for Home Affairs Jim O’Callaghan echoed support for the system but acknowledged passenger frustrations. With Ireland holding the rotating EU Council presidency, Dublin is expected to broker negotiations on any temporary suspension clauses.
Travelers who need help navigating these evolving border rules can turn to VisaHQ, whose Ireland portal provides fast, up-to-date guidance on Schengen entry procedures, visa options and biometric requirements—useful for both holiday-makers and corporate travel planners facing the new EES hurdles.
Ireland, which is outside Schengen, does not operate EES, but Irish passengers transiting through Paris, Amsterdam or Madrid must complete the fingerprints-and-photo process. Corporate travel managers are therefore advising Irish staff to allow extra time when connecting in the Schengen Area and to register biometrics on first entry where possible. Von der Leyen said officials would meet aviation stakeholders on 7 July to explore short-term relief measures while continuing to highlight security benefits. Irish Minister for Home Affairs Jim O’Callaghan echoed support for the system but acknowledged passenger frustrations. With Ireland holding the rotating EU Council presidency, Dublin is expected to broker negotiations on any temporary suspension clauses.
