13/09/2011
Following a decision by the Council on 12 September, the EU will soon have a new agency based in Tallinn (Estonia), which will manage its large-scale information technology (IT) systems supporting the implementation of the EU's policies in the area of freedom, security and justice.
Initially, the agency will be responsible for three main large-scale information systems: the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS) and Eurodac. In future it may manage other systems in this area too.
The joint management of the three systems by one agency will improve productivity and reduce operational costs in the long term, because a number of the tasks related to their operation will be the same, for example procurement or project management tasks.
The agency’s main duty will be the operational management of the systems, keeping them functioning 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to these operational tasks, the agency will have related duties, such as adopting security measures, reporting, publishing, monitoring and providing information, as well as organising specific training.
SIS is a system that helps ensure security within the EU's area of freedom, security and justice. In essence, it is a database which allows the national law enforcement authorities to exchange information on persons and objects under stringent data protection rules. An upgraded version, SIS II, should start functioning in 2013.
VIS, which should be fully operational in the autumn of this year, will support implementation of the common visa policy and will help to ensure effective border control. This tool will allow the Schengen member states to enter, update and consult information relating to visas (including biometric data) electronically.
Eurodac is a system for comparing the fingerprints of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. This is necessary for rapid identification of the member state responsible for examining an asylum application.
The agency's development and operational tasks will be carried out in Strasbourg, France, and the backup site will be located in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria.
More information:
Schengen Information System
Visa information system
Eurodac