The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) that was founded in 2011 to ensure the uninterrupted operation of large-scale IT systems within the area of freedom, security and justice (AFSJ), that are instrumental in the implementation of the asylum, border management and migration policies of the EU.

[6] 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.

[6] New legislative proposals foresee extending the scope of Eurodac to allow for the storage of, and the possibility to search by, biometric data of irregular migrants found illegally staying in the EU, thus facilitating returns.

The system helps reduce “visa shopping” and irregular migration and contributes to the prevention of threats to the internal security of Member States.

The system assists authorities in processing asylum applications and identifying persons who may not, or may no longer, fulfil the conditions to enter or stay in the Schengen area.

[10] 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.

The system will replace the current practice of manual stamping of passports with electronic registration in a central database of biographic and biometric information, as well as the date and place of entry/exit for visits up to 90 days.

[11] The system aims to modernise and increase automation at border controls, to strengthen internal security and fight terrorism and organised crime.

Similar to systems already existing in the USA, Canada and Australia, a valid passport, a credit card and minimal personal information will be needed.

[12] 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.

[13] 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.