United Kingdom trade minister expresses eagerness to implement EU e-gates promptly.
Fresh Take:
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, has shared his optimism about British holidaymakers using e-gates in Europe soon, following the agreement struck with the EU in May. During an interview with our website at the UK residence in Brussels, Reynolds stated that the EU commission stated there's no legal impediment to the use of e-gates, indicating a hope for quick implementation.
The EU and the UK announced their first significant agreement since the UK's departure from the bloc in 2020, focusing on travel, defence, fishing, farming, and other sectors. Under this deal, British animal and plant products can expect fewer checks when exported to the EU, potentially allowing for the return of raw sausages and burgers exports.
In terms of travel convenience, the e-gates bring about "huge efficiency advantages" and could bring back some of the comfort lost due to Brexit-induced manual passport checks. Reynolds expressed his desire for travelers to enjoy the ease of e-gate passport checks during their summer holidays.
Meanwhile, Reynolds expressed his determination to implement the May agreement, dismissing opposition arguments against it. He emphasized that a coalition could be built for this relationship, recognizing its value in terms of trade, rather than Brexit-related constitutional issues.
Fishing access remains unchanged, with no diminishing of the UK's position. Reynolds anticipated that those opposing the agreement would not prevail in a future election.
Insights
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) digital border platform set to replace manual passport stamping for eligible non-EU nationals will play a crucial role in the e-gate implementation process.
- Individual EU member states will make final decisions on e-gate access once the EES becomes operational.
- Travel industry groups support this development, as it is seen as essential to restoring confidence in post-Brexit travel and providing a smoother experience for travelers.
- Not all British travelers may benefit immediately due to varying implementation speeds across different EU member states.
The implementation of e-gates in Europe, as agreed upon in May, is a significant step in policy-and-legislation that reflects the politics of post-Brexit travel. This development, supported by travel industry groups, aims to provide a smoother general-news experience for travelers, restoring some of the convenience lost due to manual passport checks. However, it's important to note that access to e-gates will be determined by individual EU member states once the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes operational, leading to potentially varying implementation speeds across different countries.
