Managing IT systems and internal security protocols within an entire governing body is by no means an easy task. As it was discussed in previous articles, the EU creates separate-entity-agencies that are tasked with the role of overseeing and performing a variety of duties of infrastructural importance, and “The European Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice”, also has its role.
Roles and Responsibilities
Maintaining any systems that have to deal with the internal security of countries in the Schengen area, is the first and foremost duty of EU-LISA. Other important activities are the enabling of Schengen countries to exchange any visa data, as well as ensuring that Europeans are able to freely travel within the area of the European Union. Furthermore, EU-LISA is taking an active role in the introduction of new, and efficient technologies to the border management system in the EU.
The Systems
EU-LISA is directly engaged with the Visa information System – VIS, the Schengen Information System – SIS II, and Eurodac. VIS is responsible for collecting all types of biometric data and is used to exchange traveller information within and outside of the Schengen Zone. While SIS II is also used to communicate information with countries inside and outside of the EU, it is also used for alerts of missing persons and property. Eurodac is another security information system that strictly deals with the examination of asylum applicants, by means of comparing available fingerprint information.
EU-LISA is Connected
As an agency that deals with the entire EU internal security systems, it is only normal for it to be connected to a variety of other decentralised agencies, such as CEPOL, EASO, ENISA, Eurojust, Europol, FRA, and many others. While other agencies may be able to function by themselves, EU-LISA needs to be linked to all others in order for it to properly fulfil its roles.