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Border Tech Delays Cloud Efficiency Outlook For European Airports

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2026

Operational Challenges Disrupt Border Control

The rollout of the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing significant operational disruptions at European airports, with border control delays reaching up to 2 hours and potentially up to 4 hours during peak summer months. This development has raised serious concerns among key industry bodies as the system’s current phase requires the registration of 35 percent of third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area.

Staffing Shortages and Technological Hurdles

In detailed correspondence to EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, airport authorities and airline representatives from ACI EUROPE, Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) outlined three primary challenges. First, chronic understaffing in border control services continues to intensify delays. Second, ongoing technological issues, particularly those related to border automation systems, are creating additional operational inefficiencies. Finally, the limited adoption of the Frontex pre-registration application among Schengen states further aggravates the situation.

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Urgent Need for Flexible Policy Adjustments

Industry experts warn that as mandatory registration potentially expands to all crossings during July and August, queue times at airports might surge to four hours or more. Such delays could undermine the operational efficiency and reliability of European air travel, particularly during peak travel periods when airport traffic doubles. The concerned organizations have urged the Commission to guarantee that member states retain the flexibility to partially or fully suspend the EES until the end of October 2026, a safeguard that may become unavailable under Regulation 2025/1534 by early July.

Balancing Efficiency With Security

Critics of the current EES rollout point to a stark disconnect between the optimistic assessments of EU institutions and the harsh operational realities faced by non-EU travelers. As emphasized by Olivier Jankovec, Ourania Georgoutsakou, and Thomas Reynaert, the continued delays and inconvenience signal a pressing need for immediate corrective measures. They stress that a flexible, responsive approach is essential not only for managing peak season traffic but also for preserving the EU’s reputation as an efficient, welcoming, and desirable destination.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring a Sustainable Rollout

Moving forward, policymakers must reconcile the dual imperatives of security and operational efficiency. The experience at Europe’s airports serves as a critical reminder that technological innovations in border control must be implemented with realistic assessments of capacity and resource allocation. A balanced strategy that accommodates periodic suspensions or adjustments could be key to avoiding widespread disruptions in a busy travel environment.

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Women Remain Underrepresented Among Scientists And Engineers Despite Sector Growth

Overview Of The Sector Growth

Recent Eurostat data show continued growth in Europe’s science and technology workforce. In 2025, more than 81.6 million people aged 15 to 74 were employed in science and technology occupations across the European Union, representing a 1.8% increase compared with 2024 and a 25.3% rise over the past decade.

Cyprus recorded a similar trend, with women accounting for 51.8% of the science and technology workforce, slightly below the EU average but still among member states where women represent a majority of employees in the sector.

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Women’s Representation And Its Implications

Women accounted for 52.5% of the science and technology workforce across the EU, representing approximately 42.8 million workers. Service activities remained the largest area of employment for women in the sector. Their share increased by 2.3% compared with the previous year and by 27.9% since 2015, equivalent to an increase of 9.3 million workers. The figures reflect the continued growth of female participation across science and technology occupations over the past decade.

Persistent Gender Imbalance In Specialized Roles

Despite representing a majority of the overall science and technology workforce, women remained less represented in specialist positions such as scientists and engineers. In 2025, women accounted for 40.8% of scientists and engineers across the European Union, an increase of 0.5 percentage points compared with 2015. At the same time, the number of women employed in these professions rose from 5.3 million in 2015 to 8.2 million in 2025, representing a growth of 54.4%. Germany recorded the largest number of scientists and engineers in the EU, with 4.2 million people employed in these occupations.

Regional Variations Across Europe

Disparities are also evident at the regional level. Latvia, for instance, recorded the highest share of women in science and technology at 62.4%, followed by Hungary’s Great Plain and North region (61.1%) and Estonia (60.5%). In contrast, Corsica in France reported only 42.7%, with Malta and Italy’s Centre region trailing at 46.0% and 47.2% respectively. These variations signal the need for tailored policies to address local challenges while promoting a unified approach toward gender inclusivity across the EU.

Conclusion

Eurostat data show continued growth in science and technology employment across Europe, alongside rising female participation in the sector. Women represented a majority of the overall science and technology workforce in 2025, although their share among scientists and engineers remained lower than in the broader sector. The latest figures provide a snapshot of how employment patterns across science and technology occupations have evolved over the past decade.