On 30 July 2026, Özlem Demirel, a German MEP from The Left group, submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission demanding details on the technical and organisational failures of the biometric entry/exit system (EES) that caused widespread delays at EU external borders during the summer holiday season. Demirel asks which Member States have reported specific problems—such as equipment failures, failed software updates, or bottlenecks—and whether the Commission has taken any steps to temporarily relax or suspend the checks, or empowered Member States to do so. She also presses the Commission to explain why it has refrained from granting relief despite documented issues raised by air travel and transport associations, and what criteria would need to be met for a suspension to occur.
The question comes after media reports of hour-long queues at several border crossings, with out-of-order scanners, failed software updates, and overloaded self-service kiosks. The Commission has so far rejected calls to suspend the checks, insisting that it is up to Member States to remedy the problems. Demirel's question is a formal parliamentary instrument, which the Commission is expected to answer within roughly six weeks; the reply will signal whether the executive is open to flexibility or remains committed to the full application of the EES.
Demirel's initiative reflects a broader concern about the operational readiness of the EES, which was rolled out progressively across the Schengen area. The question highlights a tension between the security objectives of the system and the practical burden it places on travellers and border authorities. While the EES is designed to strengthen border control and combat irregular migration, its implementation has created significant friction at key travel hubs, affecting holidaymakers, transport operators, and border guards. The MEP's focus on suspension criteria suggests she is pushing for a more pragmatic approach, potentially prioritising traveller convenience and economic activity over the full enforcement of biometric checks. The Commission's response will be closely watched by airlines, ferry operators, and tourism-dependent regions, which have already voiced concerns about the impact of delays on their businesses. If the Commission maintains its stance, it may face growing pressure from Member States and industry to introduce temporary derogations or improve system resilience ahead of future peak travel periods.