Interferry, the international association representing ferry companies, has again launched an appeal to the EU European so that, in view of the high summer season, prepares a pragmatic application of the Entry/Exit rules System (EES), the new biometric control system at the which has been fully in force since 10 April and Which - denounced the association - is creating unsustainable queues in European ports. Highlighting the severe congestion in ports already occurred during the May long weekend, Interferry warned that, without immediate flexibility and better Communication to passengers, the upcoming summer high season risks suffering serious inconvenience.

The association of shipping companies has highlighted whereas, unlike the aviation sector, maritime operators have to manage a complex variety of travel modes, including foot passengers, private cars, buses and trucks, namely a varied operational reality that makes it extremely Implementation of digital border controls difficult "valid for all" without interrupting the fluidity traffic.

"The chaotic situation observed in several European ports last May - explained Johan Roos, Director of Foreign Affairs Interferry regulators - unfortunately confirmed the worst fears of the sector. The authorities are simply not equipped to manage the strong growth in passenger volume. Families they should not be forced into exhausting queues of several hours at the beginning of their well-deserved holidays. Member States - urged Roos - must improve their mitigation and proactively apply flexibilities under the EES framework. In addition, the authorities EU needs to seriously consider the possibility of suspend these rules until all Member States will be adequately equipped, ensuring that this season summer, crucial and travel-intensive, turn into serious inconveniences at the borders".

Interferry has therefore invited the European Commission and the national border control agencies to accelerate the implementation of reliable systems and to intensify the dissemination of realistic information to the public before the start of the high summer season.