The eu-LISA is the European Union Agency that manages large-scale information systems, in the areas of freedom, justice, and security.
The eu-LISA Agency started operating in December 2012, making this its 10-year anniversary.
eu-LISA is at the heart of Europe’s huge digital transformation. Systems managed by eu-LISA are central to border management, migration, internal security, and justice.
By maintaining and improving the security architecture of large-scale IT systems, eu-LISA helps to keep Europe open, safe, and strong.
LARGE-SCALE IT SYSTEMS MANAGED BY EU-LISA
eu-LISA manages the following large-scale IT systems of the European Union:
- Eurodac
- Schengen Information System (SIS)
- Visa Information System (VIS)
It is also responsible for the development and technical management of these upcoming systems:
- Entry/Exit System (EES)
- European Travel and Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
- European Criminal Records Information System-Third Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN)
By managing these systems, the eu-LISA is also part of the EU’s ultimate goal—to keep the EU open to the world whilst making it strong and safe for EU citizens.
THE EU-LISA AND ETIAS
eu-LISA is responsible for the development and maintenance of ETIAS. The new visa waiver system for Europe launches in 2026 .
ETIAS will apply to third-country nationals who do not need a visa for Europe. These travellers will need to get travel authorisation to enter the Schengen Area.
Information submitted by applicants will be automatically processed against existing EU databases managed by eu-LISA (SIS, VIS, and Eurodac). Interoperability between these systems will help further protect Schengen borders.
Thanks to ETIAS and the other security systems managed by eu-LISA, Europe will be protected from security risks posed by visa-exempt visitors.
EU-LISA AND THE CARRIER INTERFACE
Central to the upcoming EES and ETIAS systems is the carrier interface. Air, sea, and land carriers will be responsible for checking travellers have the relevant authorisation before boarding.
Carriers will submit the passenger’s details and receive either an OK or Not OK to travel response. Passengers may only board the plane, ship, or coach if given the green light.
Air carriers, sea carriers, and international carriers transporting groups overland by coach can register now with eu-LISA to get access to the required systems.
A Working Group for Carriers with the participation of eu-LISA, the European Commission, Frontex, and carrier associations meets regularly to help prepare carriers get ready for ETIAS and EES.
WHAT ARE EU-LISA’S DUTIES?
The eu-LISA Agency manages and provides support for the information systems that connect EU member states, helping to strengthen security through technology.
The duties of eu-LISA are:
- 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 maintains high standards of data protection and security and provides training on the technical use of IT systems to national authorities. It also researches and develops new systems.
EU-LISA AND CEPOL COOPERATION PLAN 2022-2024
On June 13 2022, eu-LISA strengthened its long-running collaboration with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) via a new Cooperation Plan for 2022-2024.
“The Agreement concerns, inter alia, joint training activities on SIS (the Schengen Information System) and SIRENE (the supplementary information exchange between main national SIS desks), EES (the Entry/Exit System), ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System), as well as EMPACT (the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) related training activities.”, explains eu-LISA’s press release.
EXPANDED DUTIES OF THE EU-LISA
A proposal to expand the eu-LISA regulation was adopted in November 2018.
The regulation was expanded to achieve a more interconnected and centralised network of information systems, to close information gaps, and provide border officials with comprehensive and accurate data.
Expanded duties 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 evaluated during the 15th edition of the eu-LISA Industry Roundtable, "Biometric Technologies in Identity Management and Verification", which took place in Strasbourg on 16 June 2022.
"Three years have passed since we tackled these challenges in a previous edition of the eu-LISA Industry Roundtable. During this time, eu-LISA has made significant progress in the development of the EES, while Member State authorities have moved closer to upgrading their border crossing points to ensure all qualitative criteria are met", said eu-LISA Executive Director Krum Grakov.
The reinforced agency and the launch of ETIAS will modernise Schengen border management and increase security.
