Fury at new EU border system ‘delaying aid to Ukraine’ | World | News
THE new digital EU border system is causing massive delays and slowing the delivery of aid to war-torn Ukraine, charities have claimed. The Entry/Exit System, or EES, requires those from third-party countries to have their fingerprints and photo taken to enter the 29 Schengen area nations. Scores of courageous organisations and individuals from Britain, or from elsewhere outside the EU, have been taking humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
But they say they are facing waits of more than seven hours due to new, arbitrary checks. The 332-mile Ukraine-Polish border is the most popular route to enter and exit Ukraine from the EU. One organisation said they were told their aid shipment would be “taxed” next time they crossed the border into Ukraine, despite no such toll being levied on 20 previous trips.
Phil, an American from Global Animal Rescue and Response – which helps both humans and animals in Ukraine – was heading back to the EU at the Zosin-Ustyluh crossing when he was delayed by the extra red tape.
He said: “EES is absolutely atrocious,” he said. “It took me seven-anda-half hours to cross the border, despite this being our 20th trip into Ukraine, and in and out of the EU.
“The EES launched during the two weeks I was in Ukraine on this latest trip, and when I came back across to Poland it was an utter nightmare.”
Phil added of the fingerprint and photo-taking: “I felt like a criminal. They refused to honour a letter I carry from the Ukrainian consulate and our humanitarian permit meant nothing. The delays are going to put off some individuals as well as some aid organisations.”
Phil’s response team has taken more than 20 tonnes of aid to Ukraine so far.
A British aid worker, who did not wish to be named because of his sensitive work on the front line rescuing villagers, was picking up a vital ambulance from Poland which had been donated by the UK.
Explaining that he faced delays when the computer system failed, he said: “The EU needs to get a handle on this new border system and make sure it’s working properly.
“We can’t have prime ministers and presidents saying that Europe is backing Ukraine and then no one being able to get aid across the border because the computer says ‘no’.”
The European Commission said EES had a “successful” launch this month, adding: “We remain in close and continuous contact with all member states, including Poland, to ensure a smooth implementation and the prompt resolution of any operational issues.
“During the first six months of its implementation, Member States can choose when and where to start using the system at specific border crossing points.”
