Schengen: Communication Infrastructure for the Schengen Information System SIS environment

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Carlos COELHO (EPP-ED, PT) and made some amendments to the proposal on the installation, operation and management of a Communication Infrastructure for the Schengen Information System (SIS) environment. The amendments aim to modify the financial approach of the new communication infrastructure for the SIS as proposed by the Commission.

The report states that if the costs of installing, operating and managing the Communication Infrastructure are to be borne by the general budget of the European Union, each Member State shall be responsible for bearing the costs incurred by the national database and of its connection to the SIS or S-Testa communication infrastructure.

Parliament also made some amendments with a view to strengthening its role. It called for the Council to coordinate Member States' test activities and validate the test results, keeping the Commission and the European Parliament informed. The Commission must adopt the necessary measures (including the adoption of a security plan) relating to the Communication Infrastructure and inform the European Parliament and the Council of the terms of the contract and which national body is the contractor.

Lastly, the report stated that the rules of the Financial Regulation have to be respected at all times.