The European Times reported on 25 September 2026 that nine EU member states, including France, have agreed to revisit elements of the 2026 Pact on Migration and Asylum. Interior-ministry officials meeting in Brussels endorsed a French proposal to allow targeted derogations from strict biometric screening in high-volume entry points—most notably the juxtaposed border facilities in Calais and Dover—until at least mid-2027. France argues that the Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since April, risks gridlock during peak tourist periods unless air- and seaport operators can calibrate fingerprint workflows based on real-time throughput. The requested flexibility would let border police temporarily rely on advanced passenger-information data and biometric risk-scoring, rather than capturing full new prints for every third-country national. Human-rights NGOs warn that selective enforcement could erode equal-treatment principles, while business-lobby group MEDEF supports the move, emphasising smoother freight flows through Channel Tunnel terminals. A final decision is expected at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 13 October. If adopted, the carve-out could reduce average vehicle wait times at French ferry ports by 15–20 minutes, according to a Banque de France logistics note circulated to shippers. Companies moving just-in-time goods or executive staff across the Channel stand to benefit, but they should also prepare for sudden re-introduction of full checks if security alerts rise. Until legal wording is finalised, travellers should keep biometric data compliant—unkempt fingers or henna tattoos remain a leading cause of EES rejections—and plan extra buffer time when crossing by car or coach.
Source: The European Times
