Ryanair and Berlin Airport have warned that the EU's new digital border registration system is causing lengthy passenger queues that could disrupt summer travel. The Entry-Exit System (EES), which requires non‑EU travelers to register biometric data on entry and exit, has been operational since April, but early implementation has produced irregular processing times. Ryanair said families may face "queue chaos" and urged governments to delay the system until after the summer holiday season. Berlin Airport's Aletta von Massenbach reported that at a terminal serving Ryanair and Wizz Air, waiting times have ranged from one to two hours, and similar disruptions have been noted at airports such as Tenerife South, Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Milan Bergamo, Krakow and Paris Beauvais. The system's complexity, with each member state using different sub‑systems, and technical problems — for example, the inability to activate kiosks at the Port of Dover due to French authorities' technology constraints — have contributed to the delays. Some passengers have missed flights; one traveler reported a 90‑minute wait that caused her to miss a flight from Rome and incur additional costs. Airlines UK and Airlines for America have noted inconsistent rollout across the bloc and called for contingency measures. The European Commission said the impact is limited at most airports and that member states have not supplied sufficient border guards or automated equipment. An upcoming meeting between the Commission and the aviation industry aims to address the issues. The situation remains unresolved as peak travel periods approach, with airlines and airports seeking clearer timelines and operational support.
Macro signals, central banks, earnings, and the deals moving capital today.
The U.S. Treasury announced Thursday that it will accept public stock donations to new children’s investment accounts, which are set to launch Saturday and are available to all U.S. citizens under 18. More than 6 million people have signed up for the accounts, and about 1.4 million of those accounts will be eligible for a $1,000 federal seed contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028. Companies, nonprofits and state and local governments may also donate stock or cash to the accounts.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the announcement makes it easier for philanthropists to help American children build long‑term financial security. Stock donations will be transferred to the Treasury, which will then move the funds to the accounts in accordance with the donor’s instructions, applicable law and Treasury guidance, according to Treasury officials. The administration has spoken with SpaceX about donating stock to the accounts, Semafor reported. Cash contributions will be automatically invested in SPYM, the lowest‑cost S&P 500 exchange‑traded fund, officials said.
The program is intended to allow families and organizations to contribute to children's savings as the accounts become widely available. Further details on enrollment and participation are expected to be released before the Saturday launch.
The Trump administration announced a proposal to revise energy efficiency standards for a range of home appliances, targeting limits on future updates and lower consumer costs. The Energy Department said the rule would end mandatory improvements for air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines and prevent subsequent administrations from tightening the standards. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the measure would preserve consumer choice and reduce expenses.
The proposal follows earlier efforts in May 2025 to loosen standards for 16 appliance categories and mirrors 2020 regulations that were later rescinded by the Biden administration. Manufacturers expressed concern that the changes could place them at a competitive disadvantage. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers noted that shifting regulatory requirements create uncertainty for planning and investment. The American Gas Association, a fossil fuel industry group, supported the plan, stating that consumers should be able to select appliances that meet their families' needs.
An analysis by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project estimates that updated standards could cut peak summer electricity demand by 34 gigawatts by 2040, easing strain on the grid as demand from data centers and AI grows. The administration has declared power emergencies this year, ordering utilities to keep coal plants in operation. Assistant Energy Secretary Audrey Robertson said the department opposes regulations that limit consumer choice and impose cost increases. Supporters of existing standards argue that efficiency upgrades lower utility bills.
The rule will be subject to a public comment period before finalization, and Democratic-led states have indicated they may sue if the proposal is adopted.