EU Sues IBM, Atos, Leonardo Over Border‑Management System That Delayed Travelers

The European Commission has taken legal action against IBM, Atos and Leonardo over the border‑management system that was rolled out to handle entry and exit across the Schengen area.

The system, intended to speed up checks, instead triggered widespread delays for travellers, prompting the Commission to file a lawsuit last year.

The complaint alleges the three firms failed to deliver a functioning solution, leading to significant inconvenience for passengers.

The companies have responded, but the Commission’s complaint moves forward, potentially resulting in damages or contract renegotiations.

In a tongue‑in‑cheek response, some border officials have joked about dusting off paper maps as a backup if the digital gates decide to take a holiday.

The case highlights the EU’s willingness to hold tech providers accountable when digital tools stumble at the border.