5 July

The European Parliament confirmed on 5 July the creation of an agency for managing Schengen area IT systems that will be based in Tallinn.

To begin working next summer, the agency will manage the sharing of data on security, visa applications, and asylum seekers' fingerprints. "The agency will keep these large-scale IT systems functioning 24/7, ensuring a continuous flow of data among the member states," said member of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee Carlos Coelho.

In a vote, 607 MEPs were for and 48 against the resolution, with 14 lawmakers abstaining.

In arranging the establishment of the new agency in Estonia, the European Council and Parliament agreed, however, that some technical and management components of the information system will continue to be carried out in Strasbourg, and a backup site will remain in place in Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria.