Airlines angered by European airport chaos

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European airlines are among those to have issued a letter to European Union Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the rollout of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing major operational disruption and threatening the smooth functioning of summer air travel.

While the aviation sector continues to support the objectives of the biometric border control system, industry leaders say its implementation is creating severe bottlenecks at external Schengen borders, resulting in excessive waiting times, flight disruptions and growing pressure on airports, airlines and border authorities.

According to the open letter, passengers are already experiencing waits of up to five hours at border control since the full implementation of the EES in April, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The delays are affecting millions of travellers, inconveniencing families, elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility, while airlines are reporting missed connections, delayed departures and mounting operational challenges for frontline staff.

The industry argues that these problems persist despite member states making use of temporary measures allowing border authorities to postpone biometric data collection until early September. 

Although intended to ease the transition, the flexibility has failed to eliminate long queues or prevent operational disruption.

With July and August expected to bring around 40 million more passengers through European airports than the previous two months, aviation organisations warn that the situation is likely to deteriorate rapidly unless additional action is taken.

The concerns extend beyond Europe’s largest hubs. Airports serving popular leisure destinations are also struggling to process arriving passengers efficiently, with travellers reportedly queuing outside terminal buildings while airlines face departures with passengers still waiting at immigration checkpoints.

Industry leaders also caution that prolonged border delays could damage Europe’s reputation as an attractive travel destination. 

They argue that reports of lengthy immigration queues are already discouraging some international visitors, potentially affecting tourism, air connectivity and the wider European economy.

The letter also challenges recent comments from the European Commission suggesting that long waiting times are primarily the result of airline scheduling and concentrated flight arrivals. 

Aviation stakeholders reject that explanation, noting that airline schedules are planned well in advance and that passenger demand patterns have long been predictable. They argue the EES rollout should have been designed to accommodate known traffic peaks rather than disrupt airport operations.

Why visitors to Europe may need to be patient from April

Travelers heading to Europe from next month could face longer airport queues as the EU rolls out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) across Schengen airports.

The change comes into place on April 10 and replaces passport stamps with biometric registration for non-EU travellers, including Britons, Americans, Canadians and Australians.

While designed to modernise border controls, the early weeks of implementation could mean longer processing times at major hubs, particularly during peak Easter and spring break travel.

“While the scheme is designed to modernise border controls and tighten security, the early days of the rollout could bring delays, especially at busy hubs such as Paris (Charles de Gaulle, above), Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO at eSIM provider Saily.

From April 10, passport stamps will gradually disappear, first-time travellers under the new system will be required to register biometric data, airports may introduce new self-service kiosks and border checks could take longer during the transition period.

April marks the start of Europe’s high season for city breaks and long weekends. With more people travelling for Easter escapes and sunshine getaways, any added processing time at border control could quickly build up.

“Whenever a new airport system launches, there’s a natural adjustment period," Maknickas says.

"Spring is one of the busiest times for short haul travel into Europe.

"Travellers should allow extra time at arrival and be prepared for slightly slower border checks, particularly if it’s their first visit under the new system. When procedures change, small delays can create stress, especially in unfamiliar airports.”

Maknickas suggests allowing extra time for arrival, especially for tight connections, following airport signage carefully, as some terminals may introduce separate EES lanes and ensuring mobile connectivity on arrival to access boarding passes, transfer tickets and live travel updates.

France keeps getting more expensive

A growing number of major French cultural institutions are adopting differentiated pricing based on visitors’ residency status, making it more expensive for those who live outside Europe.

The Palace of Versailles this week confirmed it will introduce higher admission prices for visitors from outside the European Union beginning in 2026, news hub Travel Mole reported.

From mid-January 2026, non-EU and non-European Economic Area (EEA) visitors will pay more to access the world-renowned former royal residence west of Paris, one of France’s most visited cultural landmarks.

The move follows a similar decision by the Louvre Museum and reflects a broader strategy encouraged by the French government to secure additional funding for the upkeep and modernization of the country’s most heavily visited heritage sites.

Officials familiar with the plan reported the higher tariffs will apply mainly during peak periods, when international tourism is at its strongest.

Tickets for non-EU visitors could rise to around €35 during high season. That is 5 euros more than the standard rate currently paid by European visitors.

EU and EEA residents will continue to benefit from existing pricing structures.

The French Ministry of Culture has said that the policy is designed to make major cultural institutions more financially sustainable at a time when operating costs, security requirements, and restoration expenses are rising sharply.

Versailles faces ongoing preservation challenges linked to ageing buildings, climate impacts, and the sheer volume of foot traffic through its historic halls and gardens.

According to data from 2024, around 8.4 million visitors visited the palace in 2024 (with 83% of visitors foreigners).

The decision, however, has sparked debate. Critics, including some unions and cultural commentators, have accused authorities of introducing a form of cultural discrimination.

Visions of generations past exhibited in Melbourne

The European Union’s flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life featuring photographs by Luigi Spina has opened to the public at CO.AS.IT in Melbourne.

The Museo Italiano will be showing the images until December 23, offering a glimpse into one of Europe’s most iconic archaeological sites in the city considered the most European in Australia.

This free exhibition by the European Union Delegation to Australia is part of the EU’s foreign policy initiatives and aims to highlight the importance of cultural diplomacy between the EU with its like-minded partners.

The exhibition explores how history has shaped European identity and culture, and shows the everyday lives of Pompeii’s people, from intricate mosaics and personal graffiti to household objects and grand public spaces.

The commonalities with a modern way of life are striking and Melbourne - with its vibrant multicultural community and deep European heritage - provides the perfect setting for this dialogue between Europe’s past and a shared future, says the EU.

Renowned Italian photographer Spina captured the images during the Covid-19 lockdown, when Pompeii was closed to visitors.

His 38 large-format images take audiences inside the homes, streets, and everyday spaces of the ancient city, capturing a moment of stillness that connects today’s audiences with lives lived two millennia ago.

“As the EU-Australia partnership goes from strength to strength, we take time to celebrate culture, history, heritage and our shared humanity," said EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin.

"Melbourne is so often considered the most European city in Australia, and its vibrancy reflects these same values - freedoms that should be celebrated and preserved through greater dialogue and cooperation.”

Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life - Photographs by Luigi Spina will be held at CO.AS.IT. Museo Italiano, 199 Faraday St, Carlton, until December 23. Admission is free. 

A foreigner? You'll pay more to visit France's treasures

Visiting France? Want to see the Palace of Versailles, or go inside The Louvre?

If so, you can soon expect to pay more than the locals.

French minister of culture Rachida Dati says non-EU citizens will pay more from January 1, 2026, to visit national treasures and museums across France.

Among the destinations where visitors will pay more are Chambord Castle in the Loire Valley, the Opéra Garnier and several other sites managed by the National Monuments Centre (CMN).

Respected newspaper Le Monde reported this week that the ticket price for visitors is expected to be set at €30 (approximately $53 Australian).

Currently entrance for all visitors at The Louvre museum costs €22 while a visit to The Palace of Versailles costs €21.

The proposed differential pricing will act as a tool to generate funds for critical renovation efforts.

A recent report by the French Court of Auditors suggested the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra Bastille could temporarily shut down by 2027 due to deteriorating infrastructure and aging technical systems.

The Louvre Museum hopes the new pricing model will raise €20 million annually, helping to cover part of the urgent needed repairs as the institution is now close to 9 million visitors a year.

Airlines may be forced to allow two free cabin baggage items

The European Union is set to increase the pressure on budget airlines that impose charges for hand-held carry on bags.

  
The EU is acting again airlines’ ‘unjustified extra costs’ by tentatively adopting a proposal which will allow air travellers to bring two pieces of baggage into the cabin for free, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The proposal would see passengers allowed a handbag or small backpack, as well as conventional hand luggage of up to 7kg at no cost.

Several low-fare airlines allow only one small item for free and charge for any extra luggage.

Trade group Airlines for Europe (A4E) is, predictably, opposing the move. 

It says it will lead to higher prices for all, including customers who choose to travel light.

“Forcing a mandatory trolley bag obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need,” said A4E managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou.

The proposal, if passed, would apply to all flights to and from the 27 nations that make up the European Union.

It was an amendment adopted as part of a wider air passenger rights charter proposed by the European Commission and will be up for a future EU vote.

Image: Walter Pucher, Scop.io 

Europe to formalise NoLo wine terminology

"Alcohol-free", "0.0%"’ and "alcohol light" are the new standardised denominations proposed by the European Commission for no- and low-alcohol wines.

The legislation for NoLo wine products is a bid to enhance their appeal.

As part of its newly presented wine package, the EU executive has proposed the three new classifications seeking to harmonise terminology across member states and support the growing market for non-alcoholic wines.

The overall package introduces targeted measures to help the sector manage its production potential, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and exploit new market opportunities, EuroNews reports.

The overall package introduces targeted measures to help the sector manage its production potential, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and exploit new market opportunities.

The proposed designations define ‘alcohol-free’ as wines with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.5% by volume, while ‘0.0%’ is reserved for wines with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.05% by volume.

The term ‘alcohol-light’ will apply to wines with an alcohol content above 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the minimum strength of the category before dealcoholisation.

Previously, EU legislation used the technical terms “fully and partially de-alcoholised” wines, which were seen as less consumer-friendly.

“The idea is to replace them with names that are more attractive and also more familiar to consumers,” the Commission said.

The three new terms, while already widely used, are currently regulated differently across member states, and the new rules aim to ensure uniform wine labelling throughout the EU.

Image: Carmen Ramon Cami, Scop.io  

Slovenia celebrates as tourism numbers soar

From being an often-overlooked part of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia has emerged as a popular tourism destination over the past two decades.

Regular readers will know it is a favourite with Gourmet on the Road.

Since gaining independence, Slovenia has actively participated in various international communities, particularly in Europe.

Joining NATO and the European Union two decades ago presented Slovenia with significant challenges but tourism continues to play a vital role in showcasing Slovenia's beauty and fostering international connections.

Twenty years have now passed since Slovenia joined the European Union.

In a celebratory speech, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob stressed that Europe is much more than a collection of countries or a political institution.

"Europe is Slovenian tourism experienced a revitalisation with Slovenia's full EU membership, significantly fuelling its growth and success over the past two decades," he said.

"Tourism stands as one of the most important and at the same time promising sectors of Slovenia, playing a vital role in its economic performance, development, and global visibility and reputation of Slovenia."

Tourism contributes nearly 10% to the gross domestic product, with over 92,000 individuals employed in the sector, accounting for 10% of total employment.

Over the last 20 years, the influx of foreign visitors has tripled, while overnight stays have surged by 2.6 and total tourist numbers by 3.7 times.

Tourism promotes Slovenia as a sustainable, green destination at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain, offering exceptional diversity in a small space, which in turn provides a wide range of interesting experiences for lovers of healthy, active holidays, cultural experiences, gastronomy, and business visitors, Slovenia Info says.

If you are wondering how to get there, a bus from Venice to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana takes about three hours. So next time you are in Italy maybe consider a side trip.

Image: Lake Bled, Nick Gracner, Scop.io

Rathbone speaks out as fight over the name Prosecco continues

The fight over the name Prosecco - and whether it is a region or gape variety - continues to make wine industry waves.

Australian Grape & Wine is urging anyone with an interest in the name Prosecco, or the ongoing rights to use other grape variety terms, to make sure their voice is heard as the Australian Government opens a public objections process in a range of proposed European Union (EU) wine geographical indications (GIs).

“It’s absolutely critical that Australian grape growers and winemakers submit their views to Government through this public objections process” said Lee McLean, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine.

“Prosecco is a grape variety just like shiraz or chardonnay” said McLean. “We need to let political decision makers in Australia and the EU know that maintaining our ability to use grape variety names is an essential element of rules-based trade and investment in our sector.”

Through the negotiation for the Australia-European Community Agreement on Trade in Wine (Wine Agreement), the EU is seeking protection for 50 new wine GIs - including Prosecco and Picpoul de Pinet - as well as updates to existing GIs.

The public objections process is a way for interested stakeholders to provide submissions of objection to the wine GIs for which the EU is seeking protection for in Australia.

It is the second time the grape variety name Prosecco has been subjected to a public objections process in Australia under the agreement.

The last attempt by the EU to stop Australian producers from using the name Prosecco was quashed by the Registrar of Trademarks in legal proceedings in 2012 and 2013 on the grounds that Prosecco is a grape variety name.

Italian producers say the name of the grape is glera and that Prosecco is a defined region.

“We understand some will be frustrated by the requirement to re-prosecute the arguments they made in 2012-13, particularly given the common-sense outcome delivered by the Registrar of Trademarks at the time” said McLean.

“It is critical, however, that every grower and every winemaker with an interest in Prosecco takes the time to lodge a submission into this process.”

Darren Rathbone, CEO and winemaker at the Rathbone Wine Group, whose labels include Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu, is vocal on the issue. 

"It is important to protect the names of the grape varieties that we use in Australia," Rathbone says.

"Prosecco is the name of the grape that the Australian winemakers use to make the wine we call Prosecco. Unfortunately the EU are claiming that Prosecco is a region rather than a grape variety.

"Protection of regional names, such as Margaret River, Yarra Valley or Burgundy (there are obviously thousands of them across the world) need to be defined and protected.

"Grape variety names, such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon or prosecco also need to be defined and protected."

Australian Prosecco has grown to over $200 million dollars in value, with regions like Victoria’s King Valley - home to Prosecco producer DalZotto (above) - investing millions in vineyards, production facilities and associated tourism infrastructure. 

The variety is now grown in 20 regions across Australia.

Submissions must be lodged before noon on April 21 via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Have Your Say webpage.

Travellers to Europe get a reprieve on new red tape

Good news for anyone planning to visit Europe over the next 12 months or so. You've just saved €7. 

The ETIAS visa waiver system that is being introduced by European Union nations has been delayed again, Travel Mole reports.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System had already been pushed back to November because of technical issues, but will now not be ready until sometime in 2024.

It was originally scheduled to begin in 2022.



The scheme’s website now says simply "starting from 2024", but no specific date has been announced.

The ETIAS scheme, which was approved back in November 2016, will require non-EU citizens to register for pre-approval to visit EU countries, with a charge applying.

The authorisation lasts for three years, and allows multiple trips to different countries in the bloc.

It is required for UK nationals and American citizens as well as Australian and New Zealand passport holders and other non-EU citizens.

The EU wants to strengthen its border security, as well as digitally screen and track travellers entering and leaving EU countries.

The system rollout has been pushed back several times as member nations fear the system will severely increase delays at border checkpoints. Which, of course, it will.

Hard cheese: Australian producers exercise their whinge muscles

Australians are pretty big on cultural appropriation.

It is not so long ago that Aussie wine drinkers used to quaff Hunter Valley Chablis and enjoyed a Moselle or two.

But when the boot is on the other foot, Aussies are incensed. Like when Americans take our beloved Ugg boots and call them their own.

To me it is just plain silly to drink Australia "Burgundy" - a phrase thankfully now phased out - or eat "Cheddar" cheese that has not come within 17,000km of its birthplace at Cheddar in Somerset.

But that hasn't stopped the Australian dairy industry from having a big old whinge in the Weekend Australia about European Union moves to prevent Australian producers from using terms like brie and parmesan.

Brie is a soft cow's-milk cheese named after Brie, the French region from which it originated, while Wikipedia assures me that Parmesan is an Italian hard, granular cheese produced from cows' milk and aged at least 12 months.

The people interviewed by the Weekend Australian whined that consumers will stop buying local cheeses if they are not clearly identified.

One even said: "I'm a third generation European immigrant, so I'm very upset that they (the EU) are taking my cultural significance away from me."

Some serious irony there.

 

I wonder how the cheese farmers in Europe feel about their names being inappropriately used by Australians incapable of coming up with their own Australian names for their Australian products.

After much griping, Australian wine producers had to stop using terms like port and sherry - Portuguese and Spanish terms respectively.  

I simply fail to see how it is fair and reasonable for Australian producers to sell cheeses called Red Leicester or Camembert. 

In fact, I reckon a French or Italian producer should start marketing some Barossa Tasty, or Hunter Valley crumbly.

I bet that would not go down well at all.

Europe set to ban single-use plastic toiletries in hotels

The European Commission is considering banning single-use plastic items in hotels.

The European Union body is talking about banning all miniature shampoo, lotion and shower gel bottles as part of new proposed rules on packaging and waste control, Travel Mole reports.

Hotels will be required to provide larger reusable pump-pack dispensers or do away with free toiletries.

“About 40% of all plastics and 50% of paper in the EU are used for packaging, according to a recent European Commission report.

“Without action, the EU would see a further 19% increase in packaging waste by 2030,” it says.

Several companies have already discontinued hotel single-use plastic items but the EU plan would mandate it across the the continent.

The proposal is set to be considered by the European Parliament soon.

The new rules will be aimed at limiting overpackaging, and ensure clear labels are on each product to support correct recycling procedures.

"For the industry, they will create new business opportunities, especially for smaller companies, decrease the need for virgin materials, boosting Europe's recycling capacity as well as making Europe less dependent on primary resources and external suppliers," the report says.

"They will put the packaging sector on track for climate neutrality by 2050."

It is a move that is part of the wider European Green Deal's Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to make sustainable products the norm and all packaging recyclable by 2030.

The proposed ban would, of course, not affect the UK, which is no longer a member of the European Union.

Image: Jessica Lee, Scopio.