Brussels, 24/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 24 June, the European Commission proposed the creation, in 2012, of an agency for the long-term operational management of the second-generation Schengen information system (SIS II), the visa information system (VIS), EURODAC and other large-scale information systems in the field of freedom, security and justice (FSJ). "The legislative proposals adopted today aim to simplify the current situation by establishing a single management structure for several large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice", said Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the European Commission. "The establishment of a dedicated agency for the operational management of these systems will allow their effective and secure operation, assuring quality of service for users, continuity and uninterrupted service", he added.
The legislative package adopted by the Commission is made up of a regulation establishing the agency, a decision and a horizontal communication providing a quick overview of the legislative proposals. The core mission of the agency would be to fulfil the operational management of SIS II, VIS and EURODAC, keeping these systems functioning 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agency will also be responsible for adopting the necessary security measures, reporting, publishing statistics, monitoring research work, SIS II and VIS related training and information issues. It will ensure data security and integrity as well as compliance with data protection rules. The creation of a dedicated agency will help to achieve important synergies and economies of scale, as all three existing IT systems will be housed in one location, under common management. Eventually, this structure could also take responsibility for the development of new information systems in the field of FSJ. The agency will be set up in the form of a regulatory agency, an independent European body. The Commission and the participating member states will be represented on the management board, which will be its governing body. The agency will be assisted by advisory groups composed of national experts. The cost for the creation of the agency has been estimated at €113 million over the period 2010-2013. An annual cost of €16.5 million has also been estimated to connect three information systems to the s-TESTA network. Lastly, it is anticipated that the agency will employ 120 people. (B.C./transl.fl)