eu-LISA sets 15 priorities for 2027, puts ETIAS in focus
Nov 2, 2026
Category: Border and Security ETIAS ETIAS Technology eu-LISA News
eu-LISA has agreed on 15 priorities for 2027, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is among the most prominent.
The Agency’s Management Committee settled the priorities at a strategic retreat in Tallinn, Estonia, on 6 and 7 October 2026. The list follows the Agency’s draft Single Programming Document.
ETIAS shares that it is billing for further progress on interoperability between EU information systems. That work covers borders, migration and security.
Two days in Tallinn
The European Commission Representation in Estonia hosted the retreat at its premises. Over the two days, committee members discussed the Agency’s priorities for 2027.
They also reviewed recent operational and organisational developments. The meeting aimed to align eu-LISA’s plans with the challenges and responsibilities ahead.
According to the Agency, members took stock of its progress so far. They agreed on the areas that will need particular attention over the coming year.
Promises on paper
The Agency frames its 15 priorities around broad commitments. It says it aims to deliver new EU large-scale IT systems on time.
The pledge also covers existing systems. eu-LISA says it intends to keep them reliable and secure while building up its own internal capabilities.
ETIAS and interoperability are the first areas the Agency names in its plan. Both fall within the borders, migration and security field that eu-LISA serves.
Wiring the engine room
Much of the plan focuses on the machinery behind the Agency’s systems. eu-LISA says it will keep working on their operational stability and performance.
In-house software engineering gets attention too. The Agency plans to develop that capability further through the eu-LISA Software Factory.
Infrastructure is due for a refresh. eu-LISA lists the modernisation of its IT infrastructure among its 2027 goals, along with the introduction of new cloud capabilities.
Security work continues on a separate track. The Agency plans to reinforce its cybersecurity and operational resilience.
A smaller but concrete item rounds out the technical list. eu-LISA intends to improve its statistical reporting services.
AI, by the rulebook
Artificial intelligence came up at the Tallinn retreat. The committee discussed the opportunities the technology could offer the Agency.
Members looked at AI’s potential to improve operational efficiency. They also considered how it could support the development of IT solutions.
Any use of AI comes with conditions attached. According to the Agency, it must comply with the EU AI Act and relevant security requirements.
Budgets on the horizon
Beyond the technical agenda, members turned to organisational development. Workforce planning and budget planning were both on the table.
The committee discussed measures to strengthen eu-LISA’s communication and visibility. Stakeholder engagement formed part of the same conversation.
Discussions reached further ahead as well. Members addressed preparations for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, which starts in 2028.
Clockwork checkpoints
To track delivery, the Agency has defined quarterly milestones for 2027. These will let it monitor progress on the agreed priorities throughout the year.
The milestones apply to all 15 priorities. That gives the Agency four formal points in the year to check where each one stands.
eu-LISA says the retreat reaffirmed its commitment to secure, reliable and effective digital solutions. Those solutions support EU policies on borders, migration, security and justice.
Foundations before finish lines
The 2027 plan places ETIAS and interoperability in the same set of priorities as work on the Agency’s own foundations. Infrastructure, cloud capacity, the Software Factory and cybersecurity all sit alongside the systems they would support.
That pairing suggests eu-LISA may treat internal capability as a condition for meeting its delivery goals. With quarterly milestones attached, the Agency could measure ETIAS progress in 2027 against its own targets.
The approach to AI follows a similar pattern. Any efficiency gains the Agency pursues would depend on how the EU AI Act and security rules apply to large-scale border and migration systems.
The priorities currently follow the Single Programming Document in its draft form. Adopting the final version would set the formal framework for the year’s work.
The quarterly milestones will show how ETIAS and interoperability move forward through 2027. Further out, budget and workforce outcomes tied to the 2028 Multiannual Financial Framework are likely to shape the Agency’s resources in the years that follow.