A new agreement between the UK and the European Union promises to put an end to the long queues for British travellers at European border points. As announced today, Monday 19 May, by the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, the agreement includes, among other things, the possibility of using European e-gates by British citizens when entering EU countries.
The development comes as a result of the first EU-UK Summit after Brexit, with Starmer declaring that it is a “good deal for both sides”. The use of e-gates, ending the huge queues at border controls, is described by travel industry executives as a “significant relief” for British tourists and business travellers.
Welcomed by the travel industry
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and the Advantage Travel Partnership have expressed their full support for the agreement, highlighting its importance in simplifying travel and improving the experience for travellers.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said:
“The agreements on e-gates and pet passports will reduce waiting and paperwork before holidays, making travel much easier.”
Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Law Boue-Said said the agreement was “a huge improvement for British travellers”:
“The long waits at border controls since Brexit have been a source of frustration for many. The expansion of e-gates across Europe will be welcomed, particularly in the run-up to the summer season.”
The British Travel Association’s chief executive, Clive Rutten, echoed this sentiment, calling it a “positive step for business travellers”, but stressed that it remains to be seen how quickly EU member states will implement the agreement, as “implementation is left to national authorities”.
Relaunching mobility for the new generation
In addition to the use of e-gates, the agreement also includes the intention to create a new “youth experience scheme”, which will allow young people from the UK to travel and work in the EU – and vice versa.
As Starmer stated:
“I am clear that this will be accompanied by appropriate time limits, quotas and visa requirements”.
The announcement was welcomed by the travel and tourism industry, which has been pushing for a framework to allow young people to gain work experience abroad for years. ABTA’s Mark Tanzer said:
“The resumption of opportunities for young Britons to work in the EU is great news for both individuals and the UK’s overseas tourism industry. We have long stressed that such agreements are mutually beneficial, without implying a return to free movement.”
In the same vein, Lauren Broughton, head of public relations at UKinbound, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange:
“The opportunity for young people to live and work in Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Developing skills, learning languages ??and cultivating cultural understanding will boost employability and benefit local economies.”
Neil Swanson, TUI’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, added:
“It’s great that British travellers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, making travel more seamless. Ideally, this will be implemented before the peak of summer and before the activation of the European Entry/Exit System in the autumn.”
A step towards normality
The agreement also includes other areas of cooperation – including defence, food, energy, fisheries, steel and migration – with the Prime Minister stressing that the focus is on “accounts, jobs and borders”.
While it remains to be seen how quickly the EU member states will implement what has been agreed, the message from the British government is clear: restoring relations with the EU requires practical measures that make everyday life easier for citizens and businesses.
For the British tourism industry, this new chapter is a much-needed breather, especially after years of restrictions, uncertainty and increased operating costs due to Brexit.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
