EU home affairs ministers discuss information exchange and interoperability between information systems

The home affairs ministers of the EU countries will discuss interoperability between EU information systems on 8 March at the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council. Finland's representative at the meeting will be the new Minister of the Interior, Kai Mykkänen. Interoperability between information systems is an important issue for Finland with a view to improving both national and EU internal security.

- We need to achieve interoperability between EU information systems. This would improve management of Schengen external borders and the internal security of the EU. Data stored in these information systems can help establish the identity of non-EU citizens and tackle the use of false identities, says Mykkänen.

One of the proposed regulations concerning interoperability between information systems focuses on information systems relating to police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration, and the other one on information systems relating to borders and visa. The proposals have been thoroughly discussed at a Council working group, and Bulgaria aims to reach a shared vision at the Council during its presidency.

Cooperation between EU agencies in counter-terrorism needs to be improved

Home affairs ministers will also discuss cooperation and exchange of information between the EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies. The JHA agencies — Europol, Eurojust, Frontex, European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) and European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) — all work in their own fields to combat terrorism. Finland considers it important that cooperation between the EU agencies is further improved.

Information exchange channels and the analytical capacity offered by Europol have a significant role to play in combating cross-border crime. In accordance with the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard, the role of Frontex has also been strengthened in combating cross-border crime and terrorism.

State of play on migration

In the context of migration, home affairs ministers will discuss implementation of measures that were decided earlier and the next steps. Topics for discussion will include effective and comprehensive control of EU external borders, considering changes in migration routes, and improvement and strengthening of cooperation with transit countries in particular.

The EU’s return policy will also be on the agenda. Finland considers it important that the return of illegally staying persons is made more effective. Finland supports making full use of the capacity of Frontex in returns and utilising different policy sectors in readmission cooperation.

Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 22 16, [email protected]