19-10-2022

The European Union Agency that handles large-scale information systems in the fields of freedom, justice, and security is known as eu-LISA.

The eu-LISA Agency began operations in December 2012, marking its tenth anniversary.

eu-LISA is fundamental to Europe’s massive digital revolution. Border management, migration, internal security, and justice all rely on eu-LISA-managed systems.

eu-LISA contributes to keeping Europe open, safe, and strong by maintaining and strengthening the security architecture of large-scale IT systems.

THE EU-LISA AND ETIAS

eu-LISA is in charge of the creation and upkeep of ETIAS. The new European visa waiver scheme will go into effect in November 2023.

Third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter Europe will be eligible for ETIAS. To enter the Schengen Area, these visitors will need to obtain travel authorization.

Applicants’ information will be automatically matched against existing EU databases handled by eu-LISA (SIS, VIS, and Eurodac). The interoperability of these systems will aid in the protection of the Schengen borders.

Europe will be shielded from security concerns posed by visa-exempt travellers thanks to ETIAS and other security measures maintained by eu-LISA.

THE EU-LISA AND ETIAS

eu-LISA is in charge of the creation and upkeep of ETIAS. The new European visa waiver scheme will go into effect in November 2023.

Third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter Europe will be eligible for ETIAS. To enter the Schengen Area, these visitors will need to obtain travel authorization.

Applicants’ information will be automatically matched against existing EU databases handled by eu-LISA (SIS, VIS, and Eurodac). The interoperability of these systems will aid in the protection of the Schengen borders.

Europe will be shielded from security concerns posed by visa-exempt travellers thanks to ETIAS and other security measures maintained by eu-LISA.

EU-LISA AND THE CARRIER INTERFACE

The carrier interface is crucial to the planned EES and ETIAS systems. Before boarding, air, sea, and land carriers will be responsible for ensuring that passengers have the necessary authorization.

Carriers will submit the passenger’s information and will either receive an OK or Not OK to travel answer. Passengers may only board a plane, ship, or bus if the green signal is provided.

Air carriers, sea carriers, and international carriers transporting groups by coach overland can now register with eu-LISA to gain access to the necessary technologies.

A Working Group for Carriers, comprised of eu-LISA, the European Commission, Frontex, and carrier associations, meets on a regular basis to assist carriers in preparing for ETIAS and EES.

WHAT ARE EU-LISA’S DUTIES?

The eu-LISA Agency administers and supports the information systems that connect EU member states, thereby contributing to increased security through technology.

eu-responsibilities LISA’s are as follows:

  • To administer efficient, cutting-edge tech services and solutions.
  • To provide technological capabilities to match Member States’ needs.
  • To ensure the quality and efficiency of the services provided.

The Agency upholds strong data protection and security standards and trains national authorities on the technical usage of IT systems. It also conducts research and development on new systems.

EU-LISA AND CEPOL COOPERATION PLAN 2022-2024

eu-LISA strengthened its long-standing relationship with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) on June 13, 2022, with the adoption of a new Cooperation Plan for 2022-2024.

“The Agreement concerns, among other things, joint training activities on SIS (the Schengen Information System) and SIRENE (supplementary information exchange between main national SIS desks), EES (the Entry/Exit System), ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System), and EMPACT (the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats),” according to a press release from eu-LISA.

EXPANDED DUTIES OF THE EU-LISA

In November 2018, a proposal to expand the eu-LISA rule was adopted.

The rule was expanded in order to create a more integrated and centralised network of information systems, address information gaps, and provide border officers with comprehensive and reliable data.

Added responsibilities include:

  • Implementing the technical components to facilitate interoperability of all the EU information systems.
  • Providing greater technical and operational support to the individual Member States.
  • Upgrading existing information systems it is already responsible for, including the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS) and EURODAC
  • Developing and managing future information systems, such as the upgraded European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS-TCN), the Entry/Exit System (EES), and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Progress was assessed during the 15th eu-LISA Industry Roundtable, “Biometric Technologies in Identity Management and Verification,” held in Strasbourg on June 16, 2022.

“We addressed these issues in a previous session of the eu-LISA Industry Roundtable three years ago. During this period, eu-LISA has achieved substantial progress in the development of the EES, while Member State authorities have moved closer to modernising their border crossing points in order to ensure that all qualitative criteria are met “, according to eu-LISA Executive Director Krum Grakov.

The strengthened agency and the implementation of ETIAS will modernise and secure Schengen border control.