Updates

In 2025, Europe marks two major milestones: 40 years of the Schengen Area and 30 years of the Schengen Information System (SIS) — the IT backbone that helps keep this border-free zone both secure and operational. Since its launch in 1995, SIS has enabled real-time cooperation between national authorities across Europe, safeguarding citizens while supporting one of the EU’s greatest

In May 2025, eu-LISA’s Liaison Office in Brussels relocated to new premises on Avenue de Cortenbergh. The move enhances the Agency’s capacity to maintain close working relations with institutional stakeholders and continue supporting EU policy implementation in the area of freedom, security and justice. The relocation was marked by a brief inauguration event attended by key institutional partners and led

On 20 May 2025, eu-LISA successfully launched the shared Biometric Matching Service (sBMS), the EU’s central biometric matching system, and upgraded the Visa Information System (VIS4EES). These two systems mark the completion of the first milestone of the Interoperability Roadmap, ensuring that Member States and EU Agencies are well prepared for future developments. The technical activities enabling the go-live were

The European Union is preparing for the gradual roll-out of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a key initiative that will modernise border management and the way third-country nationals are registered when crossing the external borders of the Schengen area. Established under Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, the system will replace passport stamping with electronic records, using biometric data to enhance the accuracy and