EU Sues IBM and Partners Over Delayed Entry/Exit Border System 2026

The European Union has filed a lawsuit against IBM and two other companies over the troubled Entry/Exit System (EES), a border-management system that has faced significant delays and technical issues since its launch in October 2025. The legal action, revealed in EU-Lisa's annual accounts, highlights the bloc's frustration with the consortium responsible for implementing and maintaining the system.

The lawsuit was submitted on 22 December 2025 to a court in Estonia, where EU-Lisa is headquartered. The agency is seeking to protect its financial interests after repeated delays in the delivery of the EES by the contracting consortium, which includes IBM, French IT company Atos, and Italian defense contractor Leonardo.

What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is an automated IT system designed to register short-stay travelers from non-EU countries each time they cross the EU's external borders. It replaces the traditional manual stamping of passports and aims to modernize border control, enhance security, and provide accurate data on border crossings.

The system was expected to streamline border checks and reduce waiting times. However, since its rollout, it has been plagued by technical malfunctions, including malfunctioning kiosks and regular system outages. These issues have led to significant delays at airports, with passengers at peak times missing flights and waiting up to three hours.

Why Is the EU Suing IBM and Its Partners?

EU-Lisa, the EU agency responsible for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security, and justice, activated contractual and legal remedies against the consortium. According to the agency's annual accounts, the lawsuit aims to protect its financial interests following various delays in the delivery of the EES.

The consortium, led by IBM and including Atos and Leonardo, was contracted to implement and maintain the system. The delays and technical problems have not only disrupted travel but also raised concerns about the consortium's ability to deliver on its obligations. The lawsuit signals a significant escalation in the EU's response to the troubled rollout.

Impact on Travelers and Border Authorities

The EES problems have had a direct impact on travelers and border authorities. Airports have reported malfunctioning kiosks and system outages, leading to long queues and missed flights. Border staff have struggled to cope with the new technology, which was supposed to simplify their work but has instead added to their workload.

The delays have been particularly acute at peak periods, such as holiday seasons, when passenger volumes are high. The situation has prompted complaints from airlines and airports, who are calling for urgent fixes. The EU's decision to sue the companies underscores the seriousness of the issues and the pressure to resolve them quickly. The background to this story is set out in Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit Filed in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case. A related thread runs through Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit Filed in Savannah Guthrie Mother Case. Earlier coverage in Elon Musk’s Daughter Has Filed To Legally Change Her Gender And Cut Ties With Him shows how the argument developed.

What Happens Next?

The lawsuit was filed in an Estonian court, and the legal process is expected to take time. EU-Lisa has not commented on the legal case, and it remains to be seen how the companies will respond. The outcome could have financial implications for the consortium and may affect future contracts with the EU. A closer look at the same subject appears in Harvard Antisemitism Lawsuit Dismissed: Legal Analysis. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Delaware Judge Dismisses UnitedHealth Group's Lawsuit Against. The same theme surfaces in Federal Court Dismisses Trump Administration's Sanctuary Lawsuit, which takes a different angle.

In the meantime, the EU is under pressure to ensure the EES functions properly. The system is a key component of the EU's border management strategy, and its failure could undermine trust in similar large-scale IT projects. Travelers are advised to allow extra time at borders and stay informed about potential delays. Context on how this played out before sits in TfL £1bn Ulez Lawsuit Against Carmakers Explained. A companion piece, Business: latest articles, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways

• The EU has sued IBM, Atos, and Leonardo over delays and technical issues with the Entry/Exit System (EES).
• The lawsuit was filed by EU-Lisa in an Estonian court on 22 December 2025.
• The EES has faced malfunctioning kiosks and system outages, causing long waits and missed flights.
• The consortium was responsible for implementing and maintaining the system.
• The legal action aims to protect the EU's financial interests and may lead to penalties for the companies.

Comparison of EES Problems and Responses