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The European Scrutiny Committee of the United Kingdom Parliament has initiated a new inquiry focused on the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) and its potential ramifications for the UK's borders.
The Committee had been closely monitoring this issue, but its gravity became evident during visits to the Port of Dover and Folkestone earlier this year. The complexity of the matter became apparent, leading the Committee to realize that this relatively under-recognized issue demanded thorough examination.
Sir William Cash, Chair of the Committee, underscored the urgency of the situation. He highlighted that in July, the Committee received concerning evidence from port operators, indicating that the EES implementation could pose significant challenges for cross-Channel transport.
As a response to these concerns, the Committee has embarked on this inquiry to shed light on how the EES might impact both tourists and businesses that need to cross the UK border. Among the potential issues, Sir William Cash expressed particular alarm over suggestions that day-trippers might be required to exit their vehicles for checks, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
Sir William Cash emphasized the importance of gathering expertise and experience in the field to inform their deliberations. He stated, "That’s why we’re calling on people with expertise and experience in the field to give evidence to the inquiry to better inform our deliberations."
In addition to the EES, the Committee is also seeking to understand the implications of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) on operators and travelers. ETIAS is set to become operational in the spring of 2025, while the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation will go live this month. These developments reflect the UK's commitment to addressing border and travel-related challenges in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
By fLEXI tEAM
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