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Council of the European Union

7/12/2017

	eu-LISA: Council agrees general approach
	On 7 December 2017, the Council agreed a general approach on a draft regulation on the European agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA). On the basis of this mandate, the presidency will be able to start negotiations with the European Parliament once the latter has established its position. "Strengthening the mandate of eu-LISA will allow us to optimise the systems we have put in place to ensure security in the EU and regulate migration. Looking to the future, the agency will also play an important role in building interoperability to improve and speed up access to these databases. These have been priorities of Estonian Presidency and I am very pleased at the progress we have made." Andres Anvelt, minister of interior of Estonia This regulation will further develop the agency’s capacity to contribute to border management, law-enforcement cooperation and migration management in the EU. The agency will also have a vital role in implementing new IT architecture in the area of Justice and Home Affairs. The draft regulation will strengthen the mandate of eu-LISA and will entrust the agency with: developing and operating new systems, such as the recently adopted entry-exit system and the European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS), currently under discussion contributing to the development of technical solutions to achieve interoperability, subject to an upcoming legislative proposal on interoperability providing support to member states at their request, for example ad-hoc support to deal with migratory challenges a greater role in research, pilot projects and testing activities 7/12/2017  Accessibility for products and services: Council agrees its position The Council agreed its position (general approach) on a the accessibility directive. This legislation will make it much easier for persons  with disabilities to access products and services. On the basis of this mandate, the presidency is ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament.  The President of the Council, Kaia Iva, Minister of Social Protection of Estonia, welcomed the agreement: “Everybody in Europe should be able to lead their life to the full, and have an equal opportunity to realise their potential. Today’s commitment will make it possible for people with disabilities, as well as elderly people and those with temporary health problems, to access products and services more easily. With all the smart technological solutions available today, our societies can be much more inclusive and ensure a better quality of life for all.”.  More than 80 million people live with some kind of disability and this number is rising as a result of  an ageing society. With this legislation, a wide range of  products and services will become much more  accessible to those with special needs. This means that they will be able to play a  fuller and more productive role in  society.  The products and services covered by the directive include : consumer computer hardware systems such as personal computers, tablets, smartphones; electronic communications services; e-commerce, e-books, services providing access to audio-visual media products; various  transport services (for example ticketing machines and travel information) and banking services (ATMs, websites, and mobile device-based banking).  Microenterprises that provide services are exempt from the accessibility requirements since they are small, often newly established, and therefore lack the necessary resources.  The directive also helps member states to implement the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, which itself includes an obligation to increase the accessibility of products and services. The adoption of the Accessibility act will lead to harmonised implementation of accessibility requirements across the EU and will prevent the fragmentation of the single market and the additional costs which would arise as a result.