‘It’s whack-a-mole’: how Europe’s smart border melted down
Financial Times 2026-07-03 14:00:58
Context: Europe's smart border system, first proposed in 2008, was designed to enhance security by keeping out criminals, but it has instead led to significant delays for travellers. The automated system, intended to streamline border control, has faced numerous challenges.
Key Facts
- The European Union's automated border control system, initially mooted in 2008, was envisioned as a tool to bolster security by effectively identifying and barring entry to criminals.
- Instead of achieving its primary goal, the system has been plagued by issues, resulting in substantial delays for travellers attempting to cross borders.
- The system's shortcomings have been likened to a game of "whack-a-mole," suggesting that efforts to rectify one problem often lead to the emergence of new, unforeseen issues.