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We are the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice​ (eu-LISA), an EU Agency established to provide a long-term solution for the operational management of large-scale IT systems, which are essential instruments in the implementation of the asylum, border management and migration policies of the EU.

The Agency currently manages Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS). Further to these, eu-LISA is developing the Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the European Criminal Records Information System - Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN). 

These systems and the pre-existing ones are being built/adapted to ensure Interoperability - improved access to information stored in EU information systems and identity management at an EU level. The Agency is also in the process of integrating e-CODEX into its portfolio.

Details and information about the individual systems can be found in the Large-Scale IT Systems section of our website. Further readings on Interoperability are also available. 

The Agency was established in 2011 by Establishing Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011 and started its activities on 1 December 2012. In 2018 eu-LISA was given a larger mandate which is detailed in Regulation (EU) 2018/1726.

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

Mandate and Mission

​​​​The Agency’s core mission is to be dedicated to continuously add value to Member States, supporting through technology their efforts for a safer Europe.

The application of the Agency's mission allows it to achieve its overall vision, which is:

  • To continue providing high-quality efficient services and solutions;
  • To systematically align the capabilities of technology with the evolving needs of the EU and the Member States;
  • To mature as a recognised and trusted partner in driving digital transformation in the Justice and Home Affairs domain.

Values 

The Agency has a set of core values that drive and underpin operational activities and the strategic development of the organisation: 

  • Accountability: deploying a sound governance framework, costefficient operations and sound financial management. 
  • Transparency: providing regular and open communication with the Agency’s key stakeholders and engaging them in a continuous dialogue to define a long term strategy for the development of the Agency. 
  • Excellence: through having the right organisational structure, the right people and the right processes in place, ensuring service continuity and functional comprehensiveness of the tools provided to the Member States. 
  • Continuity: ensuring that the Agency will make the best use of expertise, knowledge and investments made by the Member States and will continue to develop them. 
  • Teamwork: seeking to empower each individual team member to make the best use of his or her knowledge and experience, contributing to shared success. 
  • Customer focus: ensuring that the Agency is aligned at any time with the needs and demands of its stakeholders.

Legal Basis

​​​The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice was established by Regulation (EU) No 1077/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

eu-LISA was created within the ordinary legislative procedure, on the basis of a proposal from the European Commission, and on the basis of the fact that the Council can adopt measures to ensure administrative cooperation between the relevant departments of the Member States in the areas of freedom, security and justice.eu-LISA is a regulatory agency having legal personality.

In each of the Member States, the Agency enjoys the most extensive legal capacity accorded to legal persons under national law. In 2018, the Agency's mandate was reinforced with a new Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 14 November 2018.

 

Read more about eu-LISA's core activities for a safer Europe on our Discover eu-LISA portal:

Discover eu-LISA

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