EU Refuses to Suspend Biometric Border System Despite Airport and Airline Pressure

Airlines and airports urged the EU to suspend the Entry/Exit System — requiring fingerprints and photos from non-EU travellers entering the 29-country Schengen area — during peak summer travel. The European Commission refused, calling disruption at most airports "limited." A Rome airport official says processing times for British travellers have nearly tripled. Passengers at some airports have reported missing flights.