The European Commissioner for Home Affairs,
Ylva Johansson, made an official visit today to the Headquarters of eu-LISA, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice, located in Tallinn, Estonia. The visit marks an important milestone in the Agency's ongoing efforts to strengthen EU-wide security and border management.
During the visit,
Commissioner Johansson held a meeting with the newly appointed Deputy Executive Director of eu-LISA,
Marili Männik, and the Head of the Security Unit,
Luca Zampaglione, followed by a meeting with the staff of eu-LISA in a hybrid format. Commissioner Johansson was accompanied by
Åsa Webber, Head of the Commissioner's Cabinet,
Marc Sulon, Head of the Digital Schengen Unit at the European Commission, and
Mathias Juust from the European Commission Representation in Estonia.
The discussions focused on the Agency's main achievements and ongoing work at operational level as well as important organisational changes, in particular in view of the forthcoming launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which has now been officially announced to enter into operation on 10 November 2024. Furthermore, the Commissioner elaborated on the objectives and added value of Eurodac in the better management of asylum procedures and improved protection of the rights of children. With a view to the future, the Commissioner highlighted the growing importance of security in the EU agenda, which is likely to have an impact also on eu-LISA.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a major milestone in the European Union's efforts to enhance border security while preserving the openness and mobility that define the region. By systematically recording the entry and exit data of non-EU nationals, the EES provides a more robust mechanism for border control and helps monitor overstayers across Europe. The data will also strengthen the EU's visa policy and provide clearer insights into migration patterns, helping in the fight against irregular migration.
Developed under the leadership of eu-LISA, the EES has undergone extensive testing and stakeholder consultation to ensure that it meets the highest standards of data protection and operational efficiency. eu-LISA has worked closely with Member States to prepare the system for its launch, providing training and support to ensure a seamless roll-out across the Union.
At the end of the visit, Commissioner Johansson thanked eu-LISA for its dedication to enhancing border management across the Schengen area, expressed her confidence in the continued close cooperation between the European Commission and eu-LISA, and underlined the importance of maintaining robust and secure IT systems that support the EU's wider objectives of security, safety and mobility.
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