The European Parliament on July 5 voted in favour of boosting the mandate of the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT Systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (known as eu-LISA). The aim is to address current migration and security challenges through IT systems.
With the strengthened mandate, eu-LISA will have better capacities to improve and develop EU information systems for security, border management and migration and to ensure interoperability between these systems.
The updated rules, agreed with Council negotiators in May, were approved by 541 votes to 71, with 20 abstentions.
According to a European Parliament press release, the reformed eu-LISA will develop and operate new systems, such as the entry-exit system (EES), the European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS), and European Criminal Records Information System for Third Country Nationals and Stateless Persons (ECRIS-TCN) currently under review.
It will also develop technical solutions to achieve interoperability of EU information systems once the rules on interoperability have been adopted. Another aim of the reform is to deliver proactive advice and assistance to EU member states on technical issues related to the existing or new IT systems, for example ad-hoc support to deal with migratory challenges.
“Eu-LISA will be stronger and more efficient in managing and operating EU security and border databases, which is crucial in helping keep Europe safe,” said Rapporteur Monica Macovei (ECR, RO). “I am happy we reached an agreement on another important piece of legislation aimed to respond to existing and emerging threats to the security of European society and its values”
