UK to Allocate £10.5 Million for New EU Digital Border System
Key Points
1. The UK is allocating £10.5 million to prepare for the new EU digital border system.
2. The funding will go to the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras.
3. The measures aim to prevent long queues when the Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented.
The UK government has announced plans to allocate £10.5 million to prepare for the upcoming EU digital border system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES).
In an official statement, the government confirmed that this funding will support the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras, helping to prevent long queues for travelers.
Starting in the autumn, the EU will implement the new digital border system, which will require passengers from the UK and other non-EU countries to register at the border and airports by providing fingerprints and photographs.
To minimize the risk of queues and disruption, this funding will help ports install the necessary EES technology and complete preparations for the new checks.
UK Government
UK authorities have confirmed that each port will receive £3.5 million in financial support.
Minister Greenwood Emphasizes Avoiding Long Queues After EES Launch
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood highlighted the importance of avoiding long queues at UK ports, explaining that this funding aims to ensure the UK’s borders are well-prepared for the upcoming changes.
"Since taking office, we have been reviewing plans and working closely with ports to ensure they have the right processes in place for smooth EES registration and minimal queue times."
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra noted that the UK is working diligently with the European Commission, member states, and ports to minimize disruptions for Britons traveling to Europe.
Emma Ward, Chief Operations Officer at the Port of Dover, welcomed the UK government's decision, stating that the funding is a significant step towards the investments needed to prepare for the EU’s EES scheme.
Potential Delays for Britons Traveling to the EU After EES Implementation
Once the EES is in effect, Britons traveling to EU countries could face significant delays, confusion, and chaos.
The specialist travel association Aito recently issued warnings about potential long queues, confusion, and chaos following the implementation of the EES. To mitigate these issues, Aito has called for contingency plans to be put in place.