EU Airport Chaos: Soldiers Deployed Amid Border Blunder
The bustling Lisbon Airport, a major European hub handling over 35 million passengers annually, has found itself in a state of disarray. In a bid to alleviate the chaos, the Portuguese government has taken a controversial step by deploying soldiers trained as border guards to the arrivals area. This move comes in the wake of the European Entry Exit System (EES) rollout suspension, which was halted due to security failures, causing lengthy delays for UK tourists.
The 24 members of the National Republican Guard (GNR) will be working in flexible shifts, with teams of 10 and a supervisor, to check documentation and reduce waiting times. Their presence is a temporary measure, as the government aims to address the underlying issues with the EES. The GNR soldiers have undergone specialized training in border control and administrative training from the Public Security Police (PSP), the National Civil Aviation Authority, and airport operator ANA.
This decision was prompted by the European Commission's unannounced assessment, which revealed serious deficiencies in border security control. The assessment highlighted poor quality of first and second line border controls, long queues, and excessive waiting times, with some passengers facing a seven-hour delay. The Commission's findings led to the suspension of the EES for non-EU citizens, a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about the effectiveness of the system.
As the airport struggles to regain its efficiency, the deployment of soldiers is a bold step to manage the situation. However, it remains to be seen how long this arrangement will last and whether it will be sufficient to restore the airport's reputation and smooth operations.
