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The Heads of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Agencies from across the European Union convened on 3-4 December at eu-LISA headquarters in Tallinn for their annual meeting. This significant event marked the conclusion of eu-LISA’s Presidency of the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network (JHAAN), which has spanned the past year. From January 2025, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) will assume the Presidency, continuing the leadership of this important network. 
 

During her welcome address, Marili Männik, eu-LISA’s Executive Director ad interim, remarked on the critical role of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and driving progress across the network. Representatives from agencies and EU institutions, including Europol, Eurojust and FRONTEX as well as EU institutions shared their perspectives on recent achievements and challenges, aligning their discussions with the European Commission’s 2024-2029 Political Guidelines.

A key theme of the meeting was the vision for enhanced cooperation between JHA agencies and EU institutions. Participants examined practical tools, collaborative mechanisms, and shared expectations necessary to achieve the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. Preparations for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 were also a prominent topic.

The second day of discussions centred on technology and security. Participants delved into the implications of the recently enacted AI Act, focusing on strategies for compliance, resource requirements, and opportunities for cross-agency collaboration in adopting AI solutions. The conversation also addressed the increasing reliance on cloud computing and its role in enhancing operational effectiveness. In a notable step towards improved security coordination, the meeting endorsed the establishment of the JHA Security Officers Working Group.

The event concluded with reflections on the achievements of 2024, as eu-LISA formally closed its successful Presidency year with remarks highlighting the network’s accomplishments and its readiness to address future challenges. With FRA taking over the Presidency in 2025, the network is well-positioned to build on this momentum, advancing cooperation and innovation across the Justice and Home Affairs landscape.