Schengen

• The European Union has delayed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until 2027. • This postponement affects several Schengen nations, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Portugal, following technical failures with the Entry/Exit System (EES). • The decision stems from biometric system chaos and slow implementation that have already caused significant disruptions for millions of international visitors at airports and land crossings.

• Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Austria, and other Schengen allies are implementing a new EU digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals. • The rollout of these biometric checks has triggered massive airport delays and travel chaos across Europe, prompting an urgent security overhaul of Schengen zones. • This disruption is particularly critical as it coincides with rising summer travel pressure, threatening widespread transit instability.