The eu-LISA Bits & Bytes

eu-LISA's Digital Newsletter

The eu-LISA Bits & Bytes provides an overview of the Agency's recent progress and the state-of-play on the development and management of the large-scale IT systems that govern the Schengen Area's internal security.

In this issue:

… and more.

Past & future editions



Large-Scale IT Systems – Evolution and Outlook

During the first half of 2024, eu-LISA successfully finalised the takeover of judicial cooperation platform e-CODEX (e-Justice Communication via Online Data Exchange), strenghtening its portofolio in the EU justice domain.

The Agency is also working closely with partner EU institutions and EU Member States for the upcoming launch of EES, the Entry/Exit System, which will accelerate the digital transformation of EU border management and security.

Milestones

e-CODEX Logo

  • Dec 8 Joint request for the European Commission to declare the successful completion of the handover and takeover process for e-CODEX
  • Feb 29The final Me-CODEX III conference, celebrating 13 years of e-CODEX, held in the Hague, NL.

    The event opened with the symbolic handing-over of e-CODEX between Tim Holthaus, representing the consortium, and Lorenzo Rinaldi receiving it on eu-LISA's behalf. "The symbolic switch between two eras (...) is a continuum, as we are bridging to the future. e-CODEX has firmly established itself as the flagship project of EU e-Justice, a technological innovation that has evolved into being the 'golden standard' for secure and reliable cross-border digital communication", he declared.

    e-CODEX conference photos

    Photos by K.K.

  • Jun 3Official takeover of the responsibility for e-CODEX
  • Jul 9Call to EU Member States to designate e-CODEX correspondents and access points

EES Logo

  • Jan 31 eu-LISA delivered the full version of EES, allowing EU Member States to start compliance testing
  • Feb 9 eu-LISA test environment opened to carriers (air, land, sea) for system-to-system testing
  • Feb 27 eu-LISA visit to Prague Airport to assess the progress of border preparations

    Agnès Diallo at Prague Airport

    Photos by L.V.

  • Apr 8 eu-LISA visit to Eurotunnel France to inspect the future EES infrastructure
  • Apr 11 eu-LISA deployed the carrier web portal to start carriers' training
  • Jul 30 Over 1,400 carriers connected to eu-LISA

Reminder Air, land and sea carriers are urged to complete preparations for accessing the EES carrier interface before the launch of the system.

Carrier Registration

After the launch of EES, ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be right around the corner. Here are some common myths and facts about the new system:

eu-LISA is also gearing up for a major overhaul of Eurodac, the European Asylum Dactyloscopy Database, which lies at the heart of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Eurodac Advisory Group meeting Eurodac Advisory Group Meeting at the eu-LISA HQ

In April 2024, the European Parliament voted in favour of the new rules on migration and asylum, and in May 2024, co-legislators adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/1358 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of Eurodac for the comparison of biometric data.

To ensure secure external borders whilst respecting fundamental rights and, most importantly, that no EU country would be left alone under pressure, Eurodac is to be fully reshaped into a fully fledged database that will further support EU Member States in matters related to asylum, resettlement and irregular migration.

The new Eurodac will focus on applicants rather than applications, include new categories of persons for whom data will be stored, facilitate relocation and better monitoring of returnees, track support for voluntary departure and reintegration and contribute to preventing the so-called 'asylum shopping'.

Though a challenging endeavour, eu-LISA is committed to delivering this state-of-the-art system on time.

For an overview on how all these IT systems help us ensure #ASaferEurope, have a look at our latest video:

New Horizons: Steering Towards #ASaferEurope with a Transversal Way of Working

eu-LISA's New Way of Working is designed to bridge the transition from traditional project management and delivery methods (waterfall-based) to modern agile practices. Initially introduced to support the EU's Interoperability vision and to overcome challenges in the Entry/Exit System development, this approach aligns with eu-LISA's '3 Rs' strategy:

Remobilise • Resolve • Renew

The principles of the New Way of Working were introduced across the Agency starting with 2023 and continuing throughout 2024, to bring focus on common priorities, by enabling transversality and faster decision making in day to day tasks, with the aim of tackling:

  • The increased complexity and scale of the Agency’s projects;
  • The interdependencies between projects and core business systems, taking into account the Interoperability requirements
  • The rigid clauses of previously outsourced work packages under the waterfall-based models for project management.

Thus, the Agency’s projects are re-organised in Waves and horizontal activities (Smart Hosting). The programs and projects are delivered through MVPs (Minimum Viable Product), which are further broken-down into shorter development timeframe (i.e Sprints) and brought to life by cross-functional Squads.

These are the best practices from agile work methods that have been introduced to create synergy, reusability, scalability and efficiently deliver our growing mandate.

Rene VihalemDuring the month of June, several high-profile changes took place in eu-LISA's management structure and governing bodies. In the latest eu-LISA Management Board meeting that took place in Tallinn, Zsolt Szolnoki finished his term as Chair of the eu-LISA Management Board. He is succeded by Rene Vihalem, Estonia's representative, who was elected during the Management Board meeting of March 2024. The Board's new Deputy Chair is Hanna De Backer (Belgium).
Rene Vihalem is an advisor in the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, where he previously worked as EU IT projects coordinator, head of the IT policy department and project manager for the national implementation of the Schengen Information System (SIS), managed by eu-LISA. He held several management roles within the Estonian Forensic Science Institute and the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

In July, Agnès Diallo announced she is stepping down as eu-LISA's Executive Director, following her appointment as CEO of IN Groupe, France.

And, at the beginning of the year, the Agency had to say another goodbye - to Deputy Executive Director Luca Tagliaretti, who took on the role of Executive Director for the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre in Bucharest, Romania.

This is what each of them shared during their farewell events:

From a personal point of view, leading eu-LISA has been more than a professional endeavour; it has been a deeply rewarding journey, that has allowed me to live a true "Gandhi moment" by contributing to being the change and growth, I want to see in the world.
Agnès Diallo, former Executive Director
I am very proud of what we have achieved during these past four years and I am excited for the next important milestones that eu-LISA will reach this year with the EES (...). I leave taking with me so many nice memories of the Agency and its highly skilled colleagues.
Luca Tagliaretti, former Deputy Executive Director

Luca ZampaglioneAs of July 1st, the interim Executive Director of eu-LISA is Luca Zampaglione. He will be heading the Agency whilst a recruitment process is held. Luca has a doctoral degree in Political Sciences – International Relations from the University of Turin, Italy, and holds several certifications in security, business continuity, and risk management.
He has held managerial positions in the field of information security, focusing on the protection of large-scale sensitive and classified IT systems.
Luca joined eu-LISA in 2013, when he was appointed the Agency's Security Officer by the Management Board.

eu-LISA Management Board Meeting in Tallinn

eu-LISA Management Board Meeting in Antwerp

Agnès Diallo's Farewell

Luca Tagliaretti's Farewell

Midway through the

In 2024, eu-LISA took the helm of the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network (JHAAN), as part of the 2022-2024 Trio Presidency team, with partners CEPOL and EUAA.

The network, consisting of 9 agencies implementing EU policies in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (also known as the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies), was established in 2010, with the aim of strengthening inter-agency collaboration, in order to support the implementation of the EU's objectives in the fields of:

  • Migration
  • Asylum
  • Border Management
  • Law Enforcement
  • Justice
  • Gender Equality
  • Fundamental Rights

... as well as in the fight against:

  • Organised Crime
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Terrorism

Who are the 9 EU agencies?

What are our common values?

Know your acronyms!

  • JHA = Justice and Home Affairs

  • JHAA = Justice and Home Affairs Agencies

  • JHAAN = Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network

What do we do?

  • CEPOL
    The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training
    Stay Ahead of Crime
  • EIGE
    The European Institute for Gender Equality
    #3StepsForward for Gender Equality
  • EUAA
    The European Union Agency for Asylum
    Support Is Our Mission
  • EUDA
    The European Union Drugs Agency
    Contributing to a Healthier and More Secure Europe
  • eu-LISA
    The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
    The Digital Heart of Schengen
  • Eurojust
    The European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation
    Criminal Justice across Borders
  • Europol
    The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation
    Making Europe Safer
  • FRA
    The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
    Promoting and Protecting Your Fundamental Rights across the EU
  • Frontex
    The European Border and Coast Guard Agency
    Safeguarding Europe's Borders

The network also fosters collaboration with the European Commission's relevant Directorates-General:

  • DG JUST
    Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers
    Ensuring Justice and Consumer Rights for All
  • DG HOME
    Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs
    Help Build a Safer Europe by Fighting Terrorism and Organised Crime

Priorities

The 2024 Work Programme of the JHAAN is built around four priorities:

  1. Digitalisation and innovation in the JHA area;
  2. Security, resilience, and data protection;
  3. Social responsibility and Green Deal for JHA Agencies;
  4. Identifying key JHA priorities to support the work of incoming Commissioners.

Read more in the Thematic Priorities of the eu-LISA Presidency of the JHAAN

From a communication perspective, the prioprities are:

  1. Raise awareness about the added value deriving from the agencies' cooperation and the impact of individual agencies in achieving the four priorities of the 2024 work programme;
  2. Provide visibility and promote the network, highlighting how it supports the implementation of EU policies and serves the citizens;
  3. Strengthen communication capabilities and cooperation to facilitate joint communication actions and efficient campaign.

Read more in the JHAAN Communication and Promotion Plan under the eu-LISA Presidency


Agenda

The first half of the year was packed full of events, seminars, workshops and other joint activities and initiatives:

  • Jun 28 JHAAN Contact Points meeting
  • Jun 19 e-Learning workshop for JHAAN Agencies
    Read more
  • Jun 13 Meeting of the Heads of Communication from EU JHAAN
    Read more
  • Jun 13 Meeting of the JHAAN Presidency trio (eu-LISA, EUAA, CEPOL) and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU (EU2024HU)
  • May 21 Working Group on ICT and Cybersecurity meeting
  • May 7 EU JHA Agencies unite in solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing war
    Read more
  • Apr 18-19 Meeting of the JHAAN Working Group on data protection
  • Apr 18 JHAAN Contact Points meeting
  • Apr 17-18 Security Officers Network meeting
  • Mar 5 Workshop of the Executive Directors of the JHA Agencies
  • Feb 15 EMPACT Communication Network meeting
    Read more

Additonally, eu-LISA renewed its inter-agency cooperation plans with several of its sister agencies. Exchanging expertise, know-how and best practices with our partners in the area of freedom, security and justice is key in supporting our coordinated efforts in making the EU an open and secure space.

  • Mar 12 FRA and eu-LISA sign cooperation plan
    Read more
  • Mar 7 Europol and eu-LISA sign multi-annual cooperation plan
    Read more
  • Mar 7 Eurojust and eu-LISA discuss closer cooperation to support digitalisation of justice across Europe
    ​ Read more
  • Dec 5 EUAA and eu-LISA sign updated cooperation plan for the next years
    ​ Read more

eu-LISA Industry Roundtable • 11-12 June 2024



The first eu-LISA Industry Roundtable of 2024, "Going to the cloud: why it matters for the EU public sector and how to make it work" was held on 11 and 12 June, in Antwerp, Belgium, and streamed online. The event, organised in collaboration with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, spanned 2 full days from 11 to 12 June 202.

The forum served as an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in the evolving discourse on cloud technologies and their transformative impact on public sector authorities operating in the area of freedom, security and justice across the European Union.


Key Figures
323
Attendees
34
Countries
98%
Satisfaction

Day one of the event set the tone with opening remarks delivered by the representative of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and eu-LISA’s Executive Director, and a keynote presentation provided by the Ukrainian Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation that addressed the strategic importance of cloud technologies. It proceeded with a series of sessions, beginning with Setting the scene, which provided a foundational understanding of the cloud landscape. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring industry experts who offered diverse perspectives on the topic. The day concluded with an exploration of Cloud sovereignty: the Hyperscalers’ perspective, giving participants insights into the views and approaches of leading cloud service providers.

The second day continued the dialogue with three focused sessions. Cloud security and privacy delved into the core challenges and best practices to protect data in the cloud. This was succeeded by a session on Sovereign cloud adoption models and their interoperability, examining how the public sector can leverage different cloud models while ensuring seamless integration. The final session, The sovereign cloud as an enabler of innovation and digital transformation, highlighted how cloud technologies are pivotal in driving innovation and modernising public services.

The event concluded with final remarks given by the Head of Unit of eu-LISA’s organising team, which encapsulated the insights and collaborative spirit of the discussion. The consensus is not on whether to move to the cloud but how to do so, considering the cloud as a necessity for many public sector organisations. Considering the variety of cloud solutions, including hyperscalers and hybrid solutions, the need to balance innovation with security and sovereignty is paramount. Security is a key concern, with zero trust, certifications and security by design are important considerations for cloud adoption.


For public organisations, the question is not anymore whether or not to go to the cloud, but how to go to the cloud.
Philippe Harant, Head of the Strategy, Capabilities and Coordination Unit, eu-LISA

Key Messages and Photo Gallery

Photos by Nicolas Economou

Read the full report on the Roundtable Website

Events

Celebrating unity, diversity, a green future, security, privacy, and more

Data Protection Day Data Protection Day
Safer Internet Day Safer Internet Day
Women's Day
Earth Day
Diversity Month
Europe Day

Addressing key topics in the EU's digitalisation process

Border Management Summit in Prague: Emphasising the pivotal role EES will play in the digitalisation of the EU's border management policies.

Border Management Summit in Prague

Fundamental Rights Forum in Vienna: Highlighting eu-LISA's practices in balancing technology with rights-compliant digitisation.

Fundamental Rights Forum in Vienna

InCyber Forum in Lille: Drawing attention to our mandate and mission, as well as our role in making Europe safer through technology.

InCyber Forum in Lille

EU Digital Summit in Brussels: Discussing key strategies for breaking digital barriers and making Eurpope a global innovation leader.

EU Digital Summit in Brussels

Europe Day 2024

eu-LISA celebrated Europe Day in three locations across Europe, which are also our host countries.

In Tallinn, where eu-LISA had a its own info-stand under the "EU tent", people were invited to take part in an orienteering game, listen to a debate on the future of Estonia and the EU, witness the impressive skills of police dogs, visit a Ukrainian cafeteria, and experience a live music concert.

Europe Day celebrations in Strasbourg took place at European Parliamentary Association, with a reception for Ambassadors, followed by the "Voices for Europe" karaoke, showcasing a diverse catalogue of European songs representing the continent's rich linguistic and musical heritage.

In Brussels, eu-LISA took part in EU Open Day.

Happenings

  • Nov 12-13

    The 10th anniversary edition of the eu-LISA Industry Roundtable

    • 
  • Oct 1-4

    eu-LISA present at EU Agencies Network's info-stand at the European Parliament

  • Oct 1-31

    Raising cyber-awareness during Cybersecurity Month

  • Jul 5

    EMPACT 2023 results published

    EMPACT, the EU's flagship instrument to fight organised crime, tallied its results for 2023.

    Read more

  • Jul 1

    Hungary takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU

    Starting on 1 July until the end of 2024, Hungary will be holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with its main goals focusing on the need to address economic, political, as well as social aspects.

    Read more

  • Jun 19-20

    eu-LISA Management Board Meets in Tallinn

    The Management Board appointed the members of the Management Board Audit Compliance and Finance Committee of eu-LISA.

    Read more

  • Jun 11-12

    Industry Roundtable to Explore Cloud Technologies' Impact on EU Public Sector

    Read more

  • Jun 10

    EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security publishes first report on encryption

    The report highlights the importance of recognising the benefits of encryption for privacy, while acknowledging the challenges this technology poses in the fight against serious organised crime and terrorism.

    Read more

  • May 29

    How eu-LISA is revolutionising EU border management

    eu-LISA's Executive Director featured in "Border Management Today", IBMATA's periodical, addressing questions about the new IT systems on the horizon of European border management and how they will improve crucial aspects of travel in the near future.

    Read more

  • May 9

    Celebrating Europe Day

    Read more

  • Apr 10

    The Pact on Migration and Asylum becomes a reality

    The European Parliament voted in favour of the new rules on migration, allowing the EU to tackle complex issues with determination and ingenuity. This will ensure that the Union has strong and secure external borders, that people's rights are guaranteed, and that no EU country is left alone under pressure.

    Read more

  • Mar 20-21

    eu-LISA's Management Board meets in Antwerp

    During the meeting, the Board reviewed the status of legislative proposals affecting eu-LISA's operations and was briefed on various Agency activities, including the evaluation of eu-LISA and the outcomes of a study by Deloitte on the operational management of the Agency.

    Read more

  • Feb 26

    French Minister Barrot visits eu-LISA

    eu-LISA had the pleasure, and honour, to host a high-level visit from the French government, Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister Delegate for Europe, attached to the Minister of European and Foreign Affairs, at the Agency's operational site in Strasbourg.

    Read more

    • 
  • Jan 4

    eu-LISA Welcomes the Belgian Presidency

    As of 1 January 2024, Belgium will hold the 6-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union; eu-LISA is very much looking forward to working close with the Presidency on topics that are of common interest to both parties.

    Read more

eu-LISA - The Digital Heart of Schengen

The European Union Agency eu-LISA became operational in 2012 to manage large-scale information systems in the area of freedom, security and justice. Today, we are at the forefront of Europe's information-driven border management and internal security, facilitating the implementation of one of EU citizens' fundamental rights - the right to free movement within the Schengen Area.

The headquarters of eu-LISA are in Tallinn, Estonia, whilst its operational centre is in Strasbourg, France. There is also a technical business continuity site for the systems under management based in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria, and a Liaison Office in Brussels, Belgium.

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