| eu-LISA Management Board Convenes for its 50th Meeting in Budapest | | https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Newsroom/News/Pages/eu-LISA-Management-Board-Convenes-for-its-50th-Meeting-in-Budapest.aspx | eu-LISA Management Board Convenes for its 50th Meeting in Budapest | 29/09/2024 21:00:00 | <p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">T</span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">he Management Board of the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) held its milestone 50th meeting in Budapest on 25 and 26 September. This meeting also marked the first for Ms Marili Männik, who assumed the role of eu-LISA's Executive Director ad interim in August 2024.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"></span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">"The two-day meeting involved in-depth discussions on both organisational matters and the large-scale IT systems managed by the Agency," said Mr <strong>Rene Vihalem</strong>, Chairman of the eu-LISA Management Board. "Our discussions were particularly intensive, with final preparations underway to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will have significant political, economic, and operational implications for the European Union."</span></p><p>The Board was briefed on the status of the Agency's evaluation by the European Commission (COM). The final report, prepared by EY, has been accepted, and the forthcoming evaluation will be accompanied by a staff working document for additional insights. Furthermore, eu-LISA’s management presented an action plan based on a Deloitte study. </p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A key focus of the meeting was the Interoperability architecture of large-scale IT systems, with particular attention to the status of the Entry/Exit System (EES) project. The Board received updates on several crucial developments, including the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), scheduled for launch at the end of next year, as well as updates on the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS).</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The Management Board also discussed progr</span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">ess on the Eu</span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">rodac Recast, an integral element of the new European Migration Policy. Updates were provided on IT systems in the justice sector, including the European Criminal Records Information System - Third Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), the e-CODEX system, and the Joint Investigation Teams Collaboration Platform (JITs CP). Brief discussions were held regarding the governance bodies for Prüm II and the EU-Visa Application Platform (EU-VAP), set to commence in early 2025.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Additionally, the Agency’s Internal Auditor provided a comprehensive update on outstanding audit recommendations, including insights into the European Court of Auditors’ 2023 audit. Budgetary discussions were held on the implementation for 2024 and the planned global budget transfer to 2025. Updates were also provided on the Agency’s research strategy, the new building in Strasbourg, and the status of the eu-LISA backup site in St. Johann im Pongau.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Finally, the Agency and COM updated the Board on the ongoing recruitment process for the position of Executive Director of eu-LISA.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><img src="/Newsroom/News/PublishingImages/MB%20in%20Budapest_collage.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteStyle-References">Photo credit: Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU and eu-LISA</span></p> | | |
| eu-LISA Hosts Largest Inter-Agency DEI Workshop for EU Agencies | | https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Newsroom/News/Pages/eu-LISA-Hosts-Largest-Inter-Agency-DEI-Workshop-for-EU-Agencies.aspx | eu-LISA Hosts Largest Inter-Agency DEI Workshop for EU Agencies | 26/09/2024 21:00:00 | <p>eu-LISA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team successfully organised the largest inter-agency DEI workshop under the eu-LISA 2024 JHAAN Presidency, held at the Agency's Headquarters in Tallinn. The event brought together participants from 23 different EU institutions, with 24 attending in person and 19 joining virtually.</p><p>The workshop served as a platform for a productive exchange of ideas, best practices, and in-depth discussions on various DEI topics. eu-LISA's DEI Ambassador, Jakub Mayer, opened the session with welcoming remarks, followed by an insightful online keynote speech by UK-based speaker Shola Kaye on "De-biasing the Talent Journey."</p><p>The agenda included two interactive working groups. The first focused on "Diversity in Leadership," exploring ways to ensure diversity across different managerial levels. The second group examined "Representation vs. Participation," discussing meaningful tools and metrics to measure and track progress in DEI initiatives.<br></p><p>The event concluded with a presentation summarising the results of the working groups, offering valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance DEI practices across EU institutions. This workshop marks a significant step towards fostering inclusive and equitable environments within the EU.<br></p><p>
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| Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network (JHAAN) Contact Points Meeting Held in Strasbourg | | https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Newsroom/News/Pages/Justice-and-Home-Affairs-Agencies-Network-(JHAAN)-Contact-Points-Meeting-Held-in-Strasbourg-.aspx | Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network (JHAAN) Contact Points Meeting Held in Strasbourg | 19/09/2024 21:00:00 | <p>On 18-19 September, the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network (JHAAN) held its third and final Contact Points meeting of the year under the Presidency of eu-LISA. The hybrid event, hosted at eu-LISA's premises in Strasbourg, brought together specialist from several JHA agencies. A representative from the European Commission and other institutions also participated as an observer.<br></p><p>Key discussions during the meeting included the JHAAN 2024 calendar of events, with particular focus on preparations for the JHA Heads of Agencies meeting in Tallinn in December 2024. Updates were also provided on eu-LISA's progress in advancing the "greening" agenda as well as further engagement with EU institutions. Additionally, the meeting included input on the Schengen Barometer+ and an overview of the priorities and proposals for the upcoming JHAAN Trio of Presidencies (2025-2027), to be led by FRA, EUDA, and EIGE. </p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Beyond the formal agenda, attendees had the opportunity to engage in social activities, and a tour of the eu-LISA’s Central Unit. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The JHAAN comprises nine EU agencies working within the justice and home affairs domain: </span><a href="https://www.cepol.europa.eu/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">CEPOL</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="https://eige.europa.eu/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">EIGE</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="https://euaa.europa.eu/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">EUAA</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="https://www.euda.europa.eu/index_en" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">EUDA</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">eu-LISA</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Eurojust</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="https://www.europol.europa.eu/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Europol</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, </span><a href="https://fra.europa.eu/en" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">FRA</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">, and </span><a href="https://www.frontex.europa.eu/" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Frontex</a><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p>For more information on the eu-LISA Presidency in 2024, please visit our <a href="https://eulisa.europa.eu/About-Us/Our-Partners/jhaan-presidency">dedicated page</a>. </p><p><br></p> | | |
| Marili Männik, Executive Director ad interim of eu-LISA, Updates LIBE Committee in Brussels | | https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/Newsroom/News/Pages/Marili-Männik,-Executive-Director-ad-interim-of-eu-LISA,-Updates-LIBE-Committee-in-Brussels.aspx | Marili Männik, Executive Director ad interim of eu-LISA, Updates LIBE Committee in Brussels | 04/09/2024 21:00:00 | <p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Yest</span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">erday, Marili Männik, the Executive Director ad interim of eu-LISA, presented updates to the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs (LIBE) in Brussels. This was her first address to the Committee since taking up her role at the EU’s IT agency for justice and home affairs last month.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Ms Männik outlined eu-LISA’s essential function as the “digital heart of Schengen,” supporting internal security, border management, and justice cooperation across the EU. Since its launch in 2012, the Agency manages five major EU information systems, the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS), Eurodac and e-CODEX. These systems serve as the key pillars for internal security, the right to free movement within the Schengen Area, the EU’s visa and asylum policies as well as ensuring a more efficient and speedier judicial process across Europe.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"></span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Ms Männik also discussed the Agency’s growing responsibilities, particularly the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES). This system will further enhance border security within the Schengen Area. She reaffirmed eu-LISA's commitment to high standards of data protection, cybersecurity, and respect for fundamental rights.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Additionally, as Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network (JHAAN) for 2024, Ms Männik outlined four main priorities: digitalisation and innovation, security and resilience, social responsibility and the Green Deal, and future cooperation in justice and home affairs. She also announced an upcoming White Paper on the network's future priorities, expected later this year.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"></span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">S</span><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">he concluded with an overview of key upcoming events, including the eu-LISA Industry Roundtable in November and the annual Heads of Agencies meeting in December, which will see the handover of the JHA Presidency to the FRA, the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency.</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><a href="https://eulisa.europa.eu/About-Us/Our-Partners/jhaan-presidency">Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network Presidency 2024</a></span></li><li><span style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><a href="https://eulisa.europa.eu/Organisation/Documents/Marili-Mannik.pdf">Top Management of eu-LISA</a></span></li></ul><div><br></div><div><img src="/Newsroom/News/PublishingImages/iED%20in%20LIBE_photo.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div> | | |
