The EU should go big and hard over border IT failure

The European Union (EU) faces a significant credibility crisis due to the catastrophic failure of its Entry Exit System (EES), which was designed to track the movement of non-Schengen travelers across its borders. Initially slated for rollout in 2022, the system was delayed until October 2025 and has since encountered numerous operational issues, leading to long delays and widespread frustration among travelers. This debacle not only represents a logistical failure but also undermines public confidence in the EU's technical capabilities, raising concerns about its ability to manage complex administrative challenges across its member states.

The EES was intended to streamline border crossings within the Schengen area by employing biometric technology to efficiently monitor the 90-day visa-free access rule for non-EU visitors. However, the reality has been far from efficient, with reports of multi-hour delays, canceled flights, and frustrated passengers. The system's failure has resulted in a loss of credibility for the EU, as it struggles to demonstrate its competence in managing essential services that affect millions of travelers each year.

The EU's reliance on public-private partnerships for such megaprojects has contributed to its current predicament. The EES was developed by major IT contractors, including IBM, Atos, and Leonardo, who have faced lawsuits for their underperformance. However, the secrecy surrounding these legal actions has further damaged the EU's image, suggesting a lack of accountability and transparency in its dealings with private firms. As the EU continues to outsource critical projects to the private sector, it must also ensure robust oversight and a willingness to hold contractors accountable for their failures.

The situation highlights a broader issue within the EU's bureaucratic framework, which often prioritizes large-scale projects over the consistent delivery of effective services. The EU's technocratic nature demands a focus on competence and reliability, yet the preference for ambitious megaprojects has led to costly and inefficient outcomes. This misalignment between the EU's goals and its operational realities has created an environment where public trust is eroded, and the specter of Reagan's infamous quote about government incompetence looms large.

To rectify this situation, the EU must adopt a more assertive stance in addressing the failures of its contractors, publicly naming and shaming those responsible for the EES disaster. By holding these firms accountable and ensuring that they face real consequences for their shortcomings, the EU can begin to restore public confidence in its ability to manage complex systems effectively. Ultimately, the EU's future as a political entity hinges on its capacity to demonstrate competence, uphold accountability, and deliver on its promises to citizens and travelers alike.