The UK government has committed £10.5 million to prepare key transit points for upcoming EU border changes.
- The Entry/Exit System (EES), a new EU digital initiative, will be launched in November, affecting non-EU passengers.
- Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel are earmarked to receive £3.5 million each to mitigate border disruption risks.
- This funding aims to support necessary technological installations and minimise potential queuing issues.
- Both government and transport officials express determination to ensure a seamless transition for travellers.
In a significant development, the UK government has announced a strategic allocation of £10.5 million to support the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel, as the European Union prepares to implement its Entry/Exit System (EES). This novel digital border system, set to be operational in November, will necessitate that all non-EU passengers have their fingerprints and photographs taken upon arrival, introducing a new layer of security measures at the border.
In response to the impending changes, each of these major transit points will receive £3.5 million to assist with the installation of essential technologies aimed at reducing the likelihood of extended delays and congestion. According to the Department of Transport, this funding will facilitate the enhancement of border processes, thereby ensuring not only the efficiency but also the smoothness of passenger transit.
Remarking on this initiative, Lilian Greenwood, the minister for the future of roads, underscored the government’s proactive stance in averting potential logistical challenges. She stated, ‘Nobody wants to see excessive queues at our ports, which is why we’re providing this funding to ensure our borders are as prepared as possible for the upcoming change – despite EES being an EU initiative.’ Her statement highlights the UK’s commitment to maintaining fluid port operations amidst evolving international regulations.
Further elaborating on the efforts, Seema Malhotra, the minister for migration and citizenship, visited the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel to assess the EES readiness firsthand. She reiterated the government’s collaborative efforts with the European Commission and other stakeholders, emphasising the importance of minimising any travel disruptions for UK citizens traveling to Europe. ‘This additional funding for ports will ensure they have the right technology and processes in place, so that EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible,’ she asserted.
The Port of Dover is set to expedite work on the Granville Dock Project, which involves infilling the existing marina at the Western Docks to create an efficient site dedicated to EES processing. Meanwhile, Eurotunnel and Eurostar are to channel funds towards installing additional kiosks, conducting thorough testing, and reinforcing staff training to curtail any disruption risks and to streamline EES implementation.
Echoing the government’s readiness strategy, Emma Ward, COO at Port of Dover, acknowledged the funding as a pivotal factor in aligning with the government’s preparations for the EES scheme. Similarly, Simon Lejeune of Eurostar and Yann Leriche of Getlink (Eurotunnel) both expressed confidence in meeting the November deadline, citing substantial investments in infrastructure and technology to adhere to the new EU border requirements.
As the EU’s Entry/Exit System approaches implementation, the UK remains dedicated to ensuring seamless border operations with comprehensive preparations.
