The European Union’s Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) has been accused of causing significant delays to the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). According to reports sent to Member States in October 2023, both Frontex and Europol have pointed fingers at the eu-LISA for the setbacks.
Frontex attributes the delays to the current lack of Carrier and Traveller Support Tools, which have been stalled by the eu-LISA’s slow development. The agency also highlights the risk of not completing crucial sections of the ETIAS website due to missing input from some Member States. In addition, Frontex blames some Member States for failing to meet their responsibilities in providing necessary information for the appeal process and data subject rights.
Europol, on the other hand, has directly blamed the eu-LISA for the delayed development of the ETIAS Central System, which has also hampered the agency’s work. This has created challenges for planning and resourcing the ETIAS project and other EU interoperability projects at Europol. Despite blaming the eu-LISA, Europol has also cited the lack of sufficient staff as a major problem in relation to the ETIAS.
Both reports shed light on the various hindrances that have been encountered in the implementation of the ETIAS. It’s worth noting that the EU plans to make the ETIAS system effective by May 2025. As such, the delays and challenges reported by Frontex and Europol are particularly pertinent to ensuring the smooth and timely deployment of the system. The situation highlights the importance of addressing the issues at hand and ensuring that all relevant parties work together to overcome the obstacles.
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