The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) have signed an agreement to enhance their collaboration.
The Renewed Cooperation Plan
On December 5, EUAA Executive Director Nina Gregori and eu-LISA Executive Director Agnès Diallo concluded a deal outlining joint actions across areas like asylum processing, data protection, and research and innovation.
Specific areas of cooperation over 2023-2025 include:
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Supporting implementation of the Eurodac reform and data quality in migration databases
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Exploring the use of AI in asylum procedures while ensuring rights protections
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Enhancing business continuity arrangements and security cooperation
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Sharing expertise on training methodologies and developing joint modules
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Collaborating on research into migration analytics and interoperable systems
The plan aims to build on the existing Working Arrangement originally signed in 2014 between eu-LISA and the former European Asylum Support Office, now the EUAA.
The agencies will cooperate within their respective mandates as part of their roles in the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network.
Annual high-level meetings and technical workshops will oversee implementation.
Reaffirming Dedication
“The signing of this renewed Cooperation Plan reaffirms the dedication of eu-LISA and EUAA to uphold and broaden their collaboration as the most effective means to enhance their contributions to Member States and the EU as a whole,” said Diallo.
ETIAS Launch Creates Data Demands
The upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May 2025 will require close cooperation between eu-LISA and EUAA to handle applicant data.
ETIAS will gather information on visitors traveling to the Schengen area to identify any security or health risks.
With anticipated applications from over 30 million people per year from 60 countries, the system will generate substantial data requiring careful processing under the agencies’ mandates.
Their collaboration on areas like training, research, and interoperability will be essential to effectively collect, store, analyze, and protect ETIAS data while upholding rights standards.
The cooperation plan signals their commitment to delivering secure, smooth ETIAS implementation.
Centralized Policies Rely on Joint Efforts
The agreement also reaffirms the agencies’ shared role in enabling centralized EU immigration policies.
As the bloc works to harmonize external border control, asylum standards, and visa rules under Schengen, consistent application depends on integrated systems and expertise.
The agencies’ joint initiatives on EU migration databases, analytical capabilities, and monitoring mechanisms will inform policymaking and ensure universal enforcement.
That benefits Member States by equipping national authorities to uniformly carry out European initiatives like the expanded screening rules and solidarity platforms proposed in the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.
It also provides clarity and assurance for visa applicants from students to investors that common rules lead to common processes and outcomes across the EU.
Enabling Collaboration
The agreement comes at a crucial time for the agencies to partner on digital solutions for protecting EU borders and managing asylum claims.
Their cooperation will be vital in rolling out and overseeing new migration policies and interconnected information systems across Member States.