Portugal Could Be Sanctioned This Summer
Portugal could be sanctioned this summer and is already warning Spanish tourists of what may happen. Our neighbors may be suspended from the Schengen Area, the European zone that allows free movement between the inhabitants of the member countries, due to delays in the installation of the new borders.
Delays in the Installation of New Borders: The Current Situation
As reported by Zap, this new border system should be validated in July of this year. However, the mandatory procedures for testing and validating these new European Union equipment, which had to be operational as early as October, have not yet been completed.
Although the Portuguese government approved the expenditure of 25 million euros in March, a tender was not called to purchase this equipment, which will now have to be acquired by direct agreement. This new border system includes, among others, the Entry and Exit Systems (EES), and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Government Concern: Possible Suspension of the Schengen Area
"If we do not succeed, we will reach July and they will suspend us," the Minister of the Presidency has admitted. The sanction, according to António Leitão Amaro, could cause "huge problems for Portuguese tourism."
For the phase that must be validated in the month of July, the expense is 3 million euros. The procedures are being managed by the Internal Security System (SSI) and its director, Paulo Viseu Pinheiro, has already met with the Director General of Internal Affairs so that everything is completed on time.