As the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) nears its implementation, the Chamber hosted an informative and engaging webinar featuring industry leaders John Keefe of Getlink and Doug Bannister of the Port of Dover on the challenges and opportunities of the new EU EES.
The event provided valuable insights into the EES's upcoming introduction on 10 November, 2024, and the significant impact it will have on cross-border travel and trade.
The EES will primarily target non-EU country nationals (including the UK) entering the EU by taking biometric data in the form of fingerprints and facial scanning. The new system will create additional an additional process at border controls at the Eurotunnel and Port of Dover with the juxtaposed border (EU border officials operating in the UK).
The discussion touched on key topics, including:
- Streamlining entry/exit processes through investment: Eurotunnel, for example, has invested €80 million in new technology to create a 'smart border' in time for the introduction of the EES, set for 10 November 2024.
- Operational challenges and opportunities, such as using AI modelling to reduce the impact on the flow of goods and people by mapping traffic flows, building new set ups and stress testing 'digital twin' set ups.
- Minimising delays for travellers and goods: checks are predicted to increase in time from 90 seconds to 2 minutes for EU citizens, and 6m30s for third-country nationals - a gap both organisations are looking to reduce.
We extend our thanks to John, Doug, and Fergus McReynolds, Co-Chair of our Trade Facilitation Committee, for leading this insightful and engaging discussion.
For more information on the EU Entry-Exit System, including how it may affect travel and trade, please visit the official EU website.
For upcoming Chamber events on topics affecting trade and other areas, please see our Events page.
