German Police Ombudsman Warns Border Controls “Not Sustainable” Long-Term
Hardship Visas All but Halted: Only Four Families Admitted Under Germany’s Family-Reunification Exception
Brussels Rejects Airline Pleas to ‘Switch Off’ EU Entry/Exit System Ahead of Summer Rush
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EU Pledges ‘Additional Efforts’ to Cut EES Queues After Airlines Sound Alarm
Responding to airline warnings of multi-hour lines, the European Commission says it will deploy extra technical help and funding to speed up Entry/Exit System processing. German airports welcome the aid but stress that staffing shortages remain the main bottleneck.
EU postpones ETIAS launch after Entry/Exit System chaos
The European Commission plans to delay the ETIAS pre-travel authorisation scheme until 2027 after German airports reported severe queues caused by the biometric Entry/Exit System. The pause removes an additional layer of bureaucracy for business travellers and gives Germany time to expand border infrastructure and staffing. Companies should still brace for longer EES processing times this summer but can postpone ETIAS compliance planning.
Brussels rejects calls to suspend EES despite airport disruption
The EU has ruled out suspending the new biometric Entry/Exit System despite mounting congestion at German airports. Officials argue that limited local waivers and additional staffing will ease pressure, while the aviation sector maintains queues are harming connectivity and business travel. German companies should adapt schedules and use fast-track options, as EES will remain in force.
2026 IT Specialist Visa update opens Germany’s Blue Card to non-degree tech talent
A 7 July guide confirms that from this year IT specialists **without degrees** can obtain an EU Blue Card if they show three years’ experience and a €45,630 salary. The move gives employers a faster, more flexible alternative to the Section 19c IT visa and is expected to boost recruitment from non-traditional tech talent pools.
Lufthansa faces coordinated pilot-and-cabin-crew strike threat
Pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit and cabin-crew union UFO have jointly threatened a 24-hour strike on 11 July if wage and pension talks fail. A walkout would ground most Lufthansa passenger and cargo flights from German hubs, forcing businesses to re-book travellers and freight. Mediation continues but the risk of summer disruption remains high.
Deutsche Bahn admits delay on Nürnberg–Regensburg line; key corridors on track
Deutsche Bahn has delayed the reopening of the Nürnberg–Regensburg main line, citing extended safety tests of new signalling technology. The hold-up prolongs detours for both passengers and freight, potentially affecting airport connections and supply chains in southern Germany. Other major renovation corridors remain on schedule.
Germany’s draft ‘Digital Nomad’ guidance published as freelancers eye 2027 visa
Germany has published detailed guidance for freelance and remote workers, outlining income, insurance and language requirements that will underpin a dedicated digital-nomad visa expected in 2027. The move gives global employers and would-be nomads clarity on compliance steps and costs when planning long-term remote work from Germany.