Interoperability of EU information systems is enhanced to improve internal security of the Union

The information systems used by law enforcement authorities in the EU Member States will be developed to improve their interoperability. The aim is to ensure that the end-users of the systems (the police or border authorities, for example) have rapid and controlled access to the information they need for the performance of their duties.

The Ministry of the Interior has set up a legislative project to prepare the amendments required by the relevant EU regulations to the national legislation. On 12 December 2017, the European Commission presented proposals for regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council. The regulations entered into force on 9 June 2019. Their general objective is to improve the management of the Schengen external borders and the internal security within the EU.

Interoperable systems can help detect multiple identities linked to the same biometric data and thus reveal misuse of identities, for example. The verification of identity of third-country nationals will also be facilitated.

Another objective is to speed up and streamline the access of law enforcement authorities to systems established for purposes other than for law enforcement, if such access is necessary to prevent and detect serious crime and terrorism and to prosecute such cases.

The project term is from 26 March 2020 to 31 December 2020.

Inquiries:
Hannele Taavila, Police Director, chair of the working group, tel. +358 295 488 568, [email protected]
Elina Rantakokko, Senior Specialist, secretary of the working group, tel. +358 295 488 611, [email protected]