eu-LISA and the AFSJ Information Systems eu-LISA plays a critical role in the operational management of large-scale IT systems and databases vital for the security of the EU. These include the already existing EES, Eurodac, SIS and VIS systems, as well as systems currently under development, such as ECRIS-TCN and ETIAS. These systems, and the interoperability they will provide, promise to change the landscape of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) area in Europe. The technologies being developed by eu-LISA will help the move away from the current outdated silo solutions and move towards new holistic approaches that still fully respect the original objectives and data protection guarantees of the individual systems. eu-LISA works closely with member states, the European Institutions and other AFSJ Agencies to ensure that the technical and procedural solutions applied optimally cover business requirements while remaining technically feasible. eu-LISA ensures that the freedom, security, and justice management systems in Europe will be conserved for generations to come. eu-LISA aims to ensure the interoperability and compliance with
data protection standards of all IT systems under its management, whilst providing improved and secure access to EU member state authorities to information stored at EU-level. eu-LISA is responsible for following AFSJ Information Systems: ==== Eurodac: the
European Dactyloscopy Database ==== The European Dactyloscopy Database (Eurodac), managed by eu-LISA, assists in the processing of European asylum applications. It is a centralised database that collects and handles the digitalised fingerprints of asylum seekers and irregular migrants. It helps determine the member state responsible for examining an asylum application. National asylum authorities use Eurodac to store new fingerprints and compare existing records on asylum seekers. This aids the detection of multiple asylum applications and thus reduces “asylum shopping”. Law enforcement authorities and Europol can also access the system – under strict conditions – to prevent, detect and investigate terrorist and other serious criminal offences. The latest legislation foresees improvements within SIS to better address counter-terrorism and irregular migration. A more extensive use of biometric data and the creation of new categories of alerts, as well as the inclusion of more items in the already existing categories, is also foreseen. Wider access to Europol and access for Frontex hotspot teams is also a part of the legislation. The European Commission has proposed changes to legislation that will expand the scope of VIS by adding long stay-visas and residence permits to the system. Said proposals will also allow for more thorough background checks on visa applicants, thus closing security information gaps through better information exchange between member states. The system aims to modernise and increase automation at border controls, to strengthen internal security and fight terrorism and organised crime. This helps member states to deal with ever-increasing traveller flows without having to supplement the number of border guards. EES allows for better monitoring of authorised stays and the identification of possible over-stayers. The ETIAS will reduce procedures and bordercrossing times, strengthen border management, reinforce the EU's visa liberalisation policy, help prevent irregular migration and fortify the fight against terrorism and organised crime. The European Criminal Records Information System – Third Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), to be developed by euLISA, will be a centralised hit/no-hit system to supplement the existing EU criminal records database (ECRIS) on non-EU nationals convicted in the European Union. Once operational, it will allow member states to quickly find out in which other member state(s) information on previous convictions of a non-EU national is stored. The system will provide judges, prosecutors and other relevant authorities with easy access to comprehensive information on an individual's criminal history, no matter in which member state that person was convicted in the past. Efficient exchange of criminal records information is instrumental in combating cross-border crime. ECRIS-TCN will contribute to implementing the principle of mutual recognition of sentences and judicial decisions in a common area of justice and security where people move freely, such as the Schengen Area. The ECRIS-TCN System is scheduled to be ready in conjunction with the roll-out of the components required to implement interoperability.
CEAS: the Common European Asylum System ==See also==