Schengen: second generation information system SIS II, development. Initiative Belgium and Sweden

It is stated in this document that there is a need proceed with the development of the second generation of the SIS ("SIS II"), primarily with a view to preparing for the integration of the future Member States in the system and underlines that this development should have the highest priority so that the SIS II shall be ready as soon as possible. With regard to the financing of the development of SIS II, it has been noted that there is no unanimity among members of the Council to finance the SIS II development through intergovernmental funding and, consequently, that such expenditure for SIS II development will be charged on the budget of the European Communities as from 2002. The competent bodies are requested to prepare the necessary appropriations to be introduced in the draft budget 2002 and the necessary legal acts to allow for the implementation of the expenditure for the development of SIS II from 2002 onwards. The fact that the legislative basis required for allowing the development of the SIS II to be financed by the Union budget consists of two separate instruments should not affect the principle that the Schengen information system constitutes, and should continue to constitute, one single, integrated, information system and that SIS II should be developed as such. The two initiatives respond to multiple objectives of the SIS: - on the one hand, the objective to improve police and judicial co-operation in legal matters (draft decision: Title VI of the TEU); - on the other hand, the objective to harmonise visa policies and immigration control and the control of the free movement of persons (draft regulation, Title IV of the TEC). The estimated financial amount for the two initiatives which shall put in place the new SIS system is EUR 14.550.000 from 2002 to 2006. Lastly, it should be noted that the Decision is without prejudice to the adoption of in future of the necessary legislation describing in detail the operation ad the us eof the SIS II. It is necessary for such legislation to be in place before the system becomes operational, but it can only be adequately prepared once the technical development of SIS II has advanced sufficiently. �