EU Commission Rejects Suspension of Biometric Entry-Exit System Amid Travel Chaos (heise.de)

• EC rejects aviation industry's call to suspend EES
• Technical failures cause long queues and flight delays at EU airports
• National authorities can suspend biometric checks for up to six hours
• System processed 108 million crossings, but integration issues persist

"The European Commission has rejected calls from the aviation industry to suspend the biometric Entry-Exit System (EES) despite reports of significant delays and technical failures at Schengen borders. The system collects fingerprints and facial images from non-EU nationals. The Commission argues a pause is impractical and cites existing provisions allowing member states to temporarily halt biometric checks for six hours during extreme congestion. The industry warns of severe summer disruptions and criticizes poor preparation."