EU’s ‘Unpleasant and Dangerous’ Border Checks Need Overhaul, Says Greek Airports Boss

The European Union’s entry-exit system is intended to bolster border security, but it has instead become a logistical nightmare for travelers and airport staff. In Greece, 14 airports are struggling to cope with the demands of the system, which requires non-EU travelers to undergo biometric testing at every entry point without provision for pre-registration or streamlined processing.

Queues have grown so long that passengers at Greek airports are forced to wait under makeshift gazebos to shield themselves from the sun. This is not an isolated issue; several European countries are experiencing delays and missed connections, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Alexander Zinell, CEO of Fraport Greece, has sharply criticized the current setup as “very unpleasant” and even “dangerous,” particularly for vulnerable individuals who require priority processing through security. The need for gazebos highlights the absurdity of a system that prioritizes security above all else while ignoring practical realities on the ground.

The EU’s policies often prioritize security over practical considerations, leading to inefficiencies in real-world travel patterns. Officials have acknowledged the system’s “fundamental flaws” but dismissed calls for a temporary suspension, raising questions about accountability.

As the deadline for EU authorities’ flexibility to suspend checks at peak times approaches in September, the situation is likely to worsen unless drastic measures are taken. The port of Dover has predicted chaos and tailbacks due to expected increases in traffic during this period.

The EU’s response so far—downplaying the severity of the issue while emphasizing the need for member states to implement their own solutions—is not convincing. A more candid acknowledgment of the system’s shortcomings, coupled with a willingness to adapt and reform, is required to mitigate the problems at hand.

This debacle serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned policies can become bloated and inefficient in practice. Policymakers must listen to concerns from those on the ground and be willing to adjust course when necessary to avoid exacerbating an already dire situation.

The stakes are high: unless a solution is found, the EU’s border checks risk causing irreparable damage to its reputation as a seamless and efficient travel hub. The test lies in striking a balance between security and practicality; so far, it appears that the entry-exit system has prioritized the former at the expense of the latter.

As peak travel season approaches once again, it’s time for a reevaluation of this policy and its effects. Zinell’s words still resonate: “It needs a new version, an update, and probably a reconfiguration… These are just temporary fixes.” The EU authorities must take heed before it’s too late.