The EES requires non-EU citizens to register biometric information—this includes scanning passports, providing fingerprints, and taking facial images—at border crossings. The system was fully operational from April 10, 2026, after being phased in since October 12, 2025. Ryanair reported that due to these passport control delays on April 16, a number of passengers missed their flight from Milan to Manchester.

As a result of the EES implementation, travelers now face longer wait times at busy airports. Ryanair has advised customers to arrive early, anticipating queues that could extend significantly. The time taken to complete EES registration is estimated at just 1-2 minutes per person; however, delays in processing can lead to much longer wait times during peak travel periods.

This situation is not unique to Italy. Greece has already paused its rollout of the EES due to considerable delays experienced there as well. Such complications raise questions about the readiness of the EES system across various Schengen Area countries, which include 27 nations—excluding the UK and Cyprus.

Despite these challenges, the EES aims to replace manual passport stamping and effectively track visa-free limits for travelers entering the EU. Registration is free and lasts for three years before re-registration is necessary. However, British passport holders are currently exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.

Travelers are urged to stay informed about potential delays as systems continue to adapt. While many anticipate improvements in processing times over the coming months, the initial implementation phase has proven problematic.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these ongoing issues may affect future travel plans or if further adjustments will be made to streamline border control processes. As airlines like Ryanair navigate these new regulations, passenger experiences may vary widely depending on location and timing.

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The proposed bill would allow the UK to swiftly implement evolving single market rules if deemed in the national interest. This move is facilitated by the so-called Henry VIII powers, which permit ministers to approve laws without full parliamentary scrutiny using secondary legislation.

While Parliament can approve or reject secondary legislation, it cannot amend it, effectively reducing its role in the legislative process. Critics argue that this approach could lead to ‘integration with the EU by stealth’, raising concerns about the erosion of parliamentary sovereignty.

The introduction of these sweeping powers is likely to put the government on a collision course with opposition parties. The shadow business secretary has criticized the government’s strategy, stating that it reduces Parliament to a spectator role while Brussels sets the terms.

In support of the new legislation, the government claims it will cut red tape and costs for businesses. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that Brexit will reduce long-run productivity by 4% and decrease exports and imports by 15% compared to remaining in the EU.

As of 2024, the EU remains the UK’s largest trading market, accounting for almost half of total trade. The government is currently negotiating deals related to food and drink, as well as emissions trading, as part of the new bill, which is expected to be introduced before the summer of 2026.

Prof Anand Menon has remarked, “The reality of this is we are signing up to a deal with the European Union that commits us to follow their rules, whether we like it or not.” Meanwhile, Andrew Griffith has expressed concerns, stating, “Parliament reduced to a spectator while Brussels sets the terms is exactly what the country rejected.”

As discussions progress, observers are closely monitoring the implications of these legislative changes on the UK’s economic landscape and its relationship with the EU.

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