This summer, the trip to Greece could turn into a border nightmare. Greece plans to introduce the EES system - biometric entry and exit controls - and if this rolls out at land border crossings in June, waits could reach 10 to 12 hours. Macedonia's Union of Chambers of Commerce has already raised the alarm and formally requested a postponement.

The math is simple and alarming: for one family car with four passengers, the biometric check takes around 10 minutes. That's 6 cars per hour. At a border crossing with thousands of summer travellers - the queues are endless. Northern Greek hoteliers who depend on Macedonian tourists support the postponement request.

At the same time, a new requirement is coming into force: a mandatory EU-standard first aid kit for any vehicle entering Greece. Without it - a €30 fine. No seatbelt - €350. Small amounts for some, but enough for an unpleasant surprise at the border if you're not prepared.

Postponing the EES system for the summer period is a reasonable request, and the Greek side has yet to give a final answer. The season begins in a few weeks. If Athens does not respond in time, the victims of bureaucratic stubbornness will be ordinary families who just want to go to the beach.