New EU Border Controls, Champagne Trafficking & Tour de France: News Digest

Upcoming EU border changes for UK travellers have been announced, a controversial French pesticide law has prompted national debate, Brittany Ferries announce a new UK–France route, and Champagne harvest traffickers have been sentenced for worker exploitation. Plus, get the latest update as the Tour de France enters its dramatic final week.

New EU border rules coming for UK travellers this October

The EU’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) will partially launch on 12 October 2025, affecting some UK travellers heading to the Schengen zone. British passport holders may need to provide fingerprints and facial scans, especially during October half-term travel.

The EES will digitally track non-EU citizens’ time in Europe, supporting the enforcement of the 90-days-in-180 rule and improving security. However, the rollout will be phased over six months. Some borders will collect biometrics, while others will stay manual.

Passports will still be stamped during this period, even where EES is active. Full implementation is due by 9 April 2026.

Meanwhile, the EU has confirmed its new Etias “Euro-visa” system will go live between October and December 2026, with the fee increasing from €7 to €20. Children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints, and some travellers will be exempt from the fee.

French pesticide law sparks backlash and petition surge

France’s parliament has passed the controversial Loi Duplomb, clearing the way for the return of acetamiprid, a pesticide banned nationally since 2018 but still legal elsewhere in the EU.

Just days later, Eléonore Pattery, a 23-year-old student from Bordeaux, launched a petition calling for the law’s repeal, citing serious health, environmental, and ethical concerns. Beekeepers warn the pesticide is lethal to bees.

The petition has already passed 1.15 million signatures, far surpassing the 500,000 needed to trigger a possible public debate in the Assemblée Nationale, though it doesn’t guarantee a repeal.

Supporters of the law, including Senator Frank Menonville, argue it merely aligns France with EU standards, helping farmers protect crops like beets and nuts. Opposition remains strong, with widespread protests and criticism from environmental groups like Greenpeace, who warn of long-term harm to health and biodiversity.

Brittany Ferries adds new UK-France route in 2026 schedule

Brittany Ferries has unveiled its 2026 schedule, with tickets now on sale for travel up to 3 November 2026. A new Plymouth–Saint-Malo route will launch in December 2025, returning briefly in early 2026.

Several existing services will run more frequently, including Poole–Cherbourg, now extended through winter, and the Rosslare–Cherbourg ferry, which becomes a daily overnight service.

The formerly year-round Portsmouth–Le Havre will be paused during winter, with no sailings from October to 30 March 2026.

CEO Christophe Mathieu has encouraged early booking for the best cabin options, especially pet-friendly and premium choices.

Champagne trafficking case: jail for exploiting vineyard workers

Three people have been jailed in France for exploiting over 50 undocumented migrant workers during the 2023 Champagne harvest. Victims, mainly from West Africa, were housed in filthy conditions and forced to work long hours in extreme heat.

The head of labour subcontractor Anavim was sentenced to two years in prison, while two recruiters received one-year terms. The company was dissolved, and a partner wine cooperative fined €75,000. Each victim will receive €4,000 in compensation.

The 2025 Tour de France

The 2025 Tour de France has entered its final week, with Tadej Pogačar holding a commanding lead after dominating the Pyrenees and four stage wins. Still to come are key Alpine stages at Courchevel and La Plagne, plus a hilly stage to Pontarlier, before the Tour concludes in Paris on 27 July with the Paris Champs-Élysées finale.

Lead photo credit : Shutterstock