Business
What is the EU’s new border system EES – and how does it work?
Katy AustinTransport correspondent
BBCThe next time you travel from the UK to Europe, you might notice some changes.
The EU’s much-delayed new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System or EES, will be gradually introduced this autumn.
The system is meant to strengthen security and ultimately make travel smoother, but there are concerns it could lead to long queues when people first register.
What is EES and where is it being introduced?
EES is a digital system designed to keep track of when non-EU citizens enter and leave the Schengen Area.
This covers 29 European countries – mainly in the EU – which member citizens can travel across freely without border controls.
It includes many popular destinations for UK travellers, such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.
EES will eventually replace the current system which requires individual passports to be checked and stamped by a border officer.
When will EES start?
After being postponed several times, the European Commission confirmed in July that EES will begin on 12 October. It will be phased in gradually over six months.
At Dover, coach passengers will start using the new system on 12 October, followed by other tourist traffic on 1 November.
At Eurostar terminals, EES will be introduced more gradually.
Only a small number of business travellers will be invited to use the new system from 12 October. More passengers will be directed to use it over subsequent months.
Eurotunnel, which runs vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, is also expecting to introduce EES in stages from 12 October.
EES should be active at every Schengen border crossing point in all 29 participating countries by 10 April 2026.
What will passengers have to do under EES?
The first time they use the new system, people from most non-EU countries – including the UK – will have to register biometric information while having their passport scanned.
This may be done with a border officer, depending on where people travel to.
Flight passengers will register when they arrive at their destination airport.
But registration will be done as you leave the UK if you are crossing the English Channel by ferry from the port of Dover, taking the Eurotunnel shuttle to France, or getting the Eurostar train.
At these places, passengers will have to follow the instructions on kiosks – automated machines installed in dedicated areas.
The machines will scan each passport, then take fingerprints and a photo.
Children under 12 won’t have to provide fingerprints. Staff should be on hand to help.
The machine’s screen will also present travellers with four questions about their trip, such as confirming where they will be staying and that they have enough money.
However, at Eurotunnel, those questions will be asked by border officers instead, and only on a discretionary basis.
Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks in three areas around its London St Pancras terminal. Passengers will use them before presenting their ticket at the departures area.
But it says all passports will continue to be stamped manually until EES is fully rolled out in 2026.
Eurotunnel has installed more than a hundred kiosks at each side of the Channel.
Customers who are travelling in cars will be directed to drive up to a kiosk bearing their registration number, and provide their biometric information there. Coach passengers will go through the process with a border officer.
A mobile phone app has been developed to enable passengers to do part of the process before reaching the border. However, this won’t be widely used when EES is first introduced.
The EES registration will be valid for three years, with the details verified on each trip during that period.
What are the concerns about the introduction of EES?
Concerns have repeatedly been raised that the extra couple of minutes it takes for each traveller to complete the registration process could lead to big queues, particularly at space-constrained Dover.
However, bosses at cross-Channel travel hubs hope that the decision to introduce EES gradually, instead of with a “big bang” start, will reduce the risk of disruption.
The port of Dover previously planned to give ferry passengers tablet devices so they could register inside their vehicles, but will now use kiosks similar to those at Eurostar and Eurotunnel. The port has reclaimed some land from the sea to create more space for processing.
During the initial transition period, the port will be able to temporarily stand down EES if queues get too long, and revert to manual passport stamping.
Eurotunnel chief executive Yann Leriche says there will be no “chaos” or queues at the Channel tunnel, insisting his company has done extensive modelling and is fully prepared.
Similarly, Eurostar hopes its decision to limit EES initially to some business travellers before expanding its use will help to prevent queues.
What is ETIAS and when is that coming?
The EU is also introducing a new visa waiver system linked to passports called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will build on the EES.
Citizens of non-EU countries who don’t need a visa to enter the EU – including people from the UK – will be able to apply online for authorisation before they travel.
ETIAS isn’t due to start until the end of 2026, but the final date has not yet been confirmed.
It will cost €20 (£17.47) per application, and will be valid for three years.
People aged under 18 and over 70 will need to apply, but won’t have to pay.
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Waitrose is set to remove mackerel from its shelves amid escalating concerns over unsustainable fishing practices.
The retailer said that it is the first major UK supermarket to suspend sourcing of the popular fish.
It said that fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel, primarily sourced from Scottish waters, will be unavailable to shoppers by 29 April. Tinned varieties will follow once the current stock is depleted.
Conservationists are welcoming the move and urging other supermarkets to follow suit.
The measure comes as governments have repeatedly failed to implement catch limits recommended by scientists, jeopardising the long-term viability of mackerel stocks.
The International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has issued stark warnings, advising a 70 per cent reduction in catches for 2026 across all regional mackerel stocks compared to 2025’s recommended levels.
With the stock consistently fished above sustainable thresholds, this translates to a 77 per cent cut on the 755,143 tonnes scientists estimated would be caught in 2025.
Overfishing has resulted in depleting mackerel stocks in the north-east Atlantic, with Ices saying the species, and the wider fishing industry, could face long-term risks unless countries stick to recommended catch limits.
Waitrose said the decision in December by four of the coastal states which fish mackerel to cut catches by 48 per cent was a step forward, but did not meet Ices advice.
North-east Atlantic mackerel will no longer meet the supermarket’s responsible sourcing requirements in line with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition codes of conduct, the retailer said.
Jake Pickering, head of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries at Waitrose, said: “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments, acting to tackle overfishing and protect the long-term health of our oceans and this crucial fish.
“Our customers trust us to source responsibly, and we are closely monitoring the fishery.
“We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards.”
As alternatives, Waitrose is launching a new range of fish products including hot smoked herring, hot smoked peppered herring and hot smoked sweetcure seabass, all of which are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified.
The retailer said it would also introduce MSC-certified frozen sardines from May as a sustainable replacement for frozen mackerel, and plans to become the first retailer to sell 100 per cent MSC tinned sardines.
Waitrose said it would maintain its relationship with its mackerel suppliers and its new supply of herring, seabass, sardines and trout will be sourced through current supplier partnerships.
But there is currently no predetermined time-frame as to when Waitrose will start sourcing mackerel again.
Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We believe sustainable food production must balance climate action, nature protection and responsible fish sourcing is fundamental to protecting our oceans.
“We will continue to work closely with suppliers and industry partners to support the recovery and responsible management of fish stocks.”
Charles Clover, co-founder of conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, said mackerel – one of the largest remaining commercial fish stocks in the north-east Atlantic – had declined 75 per cent in the last 10 years because fishing nations, including the UK, had overfished it.
“They have put too little effort into the task of reaching agreement on a sharing arrangement – and some countries have been awarding themselves more quota than is justified by science,” he said.
“This crisis has been ignored for too long.
“We hope that this action by Waitrose sends it to the top of the political agenda. We call on other retailers to follow Waitrose’s example.”
The arrival of a salary credit message at the beginning of the month often brings a sense of relief and optimism, with many planning to save money or make long-delayed purchases. However, for a large number of salaried individuals, that confidence fades quickly as expenses begin to pile up. Rent, electricity bills, EMIs, online purchases, dining out and everyday spending gradually reduce bank balances, leaving many struggling by the third week of the month. (News18 Hindi)
Financial experts say that recurring cash shortages are often not caused by insufficient income but by poor money habits. Small and unnoticed mistakes in managing personal finances can gradually weaken long-term financial stability. The good news, experts note, is that these habits can be corrected with simple changes and better planning. (News18 Hindi)
1. One of the most common mistakes is the absence of a proper budget. Many people begin spending as soon as their salary is credited without deciding in advance how the money will be used. Without a clear spending plan, expenses tend to rise uncontrollably. Experts recommend allocating money for essential needs such as rent, groceries, utility bills and savings immediately after receiving a salary. Preparing a simple budget by listing fixed monthly expenses in a notebook or mobile app can help maintain financial discipline. (News18 Hindi)
2. Frequent small online purchases also contribute significantly to unnecessary spending. With doorstep deliveries and frequent discounts, cashback offers and flash sales, consumers often buy items that are not essential. While individual purchases may seem minor, repeated spending of a few hundred or thousand rupees can add up to a substantial amount by the end of the month. Financial planners advise clearly distinguishing between needs and wants before making purchases. (News18 Hindi)
3. Another major mistake is the absence of an emergency fund. Unexpected expenses such as medical bills, urgent travel or home repairs can disrupt monthly budgets. Without savings set aside for emergencies, many individuals rely on credit cards or loans, which can lead to debt and reduce the following month’s disposable income. Experts suggest building an emergency fund gradually, ideally covering at least three months of essential expenses. (News18 Hindi)
4. Saving only what remains at the end of the month is another common but ineffective approach. In most cases, little or no money is left after regular spending. Financial advisers recommend setting aside savings as soon as the salary is credited, a strategy often referred to as the “pay yourself first” principle. This method helps create a consistent saving habit. (News18 Hindi)
5. Spending to maintain a certain lifestyle is also a growing concern, particularly in the age of social media. The desire to match others’ lifestyles often leads to purchases such as expensive gadgets, branded clothing or frequent dining out, even when these expenses exceed one’s income. Experts warn that such spending patterns can increase financial stress and recommend aligning lifestyle choices with income and financial priorities. (News18 Hindi)
To improve financial discipline, experts advise reviewing expenses from the previous three months to understand spending patterns. Based on this assessment, individuals can create a simple plan that divides income into spending, saving and investing. Automated savings options such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) or recurring deposits can help ensure consistent saving. Even small financial changes, experts say, can lead to significant long-term benefits. (News18 Hindi)
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