Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy

• (e) the setting up, operation and maintenance of large-scale IT systems pursuant to Union law in the area of border management, in particular SIS, ETIAS, the EES and Eurodac for border management purposes, including the interoperability of those large-scale IT systems and their communication infrastructure, and actions to enhance data quality and the provision of information;

• (f) increasing capacity to render assistance to persons in distress at sea and supporting search and rescue operations in situations which might arise during a border surveillance operation at sea;

• (g) support to search and rescue operations in the context of carrying out border surveillance at sea;

• (h) support to solidarity actions, in line with the scope of support set out in point 1 of Annex III.

• 2.The Instrument shall contribute to the specific objective set out in point (b) of Article 3(2) by focusing on the following implementation measures:

• (a) the provision of efficient and client-friendly services to visa applicants while maintaining the security and integrity of visa procedures, and fully respecting the human dignity and the integrity of applicants and visa holders in accordance with Article 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 767/2008;

• (b) support to Member States in issuing visas, including visas with limited territorial validity, as referred to in Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, issued on humanitarian grounds, for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations;

• (c) ensuring the uniform application of the Union acquis in relation to visas, including the further development and modernisation of the common policy on visas;

• (d) the development of different forms of cooperation between Member States in visa processing;

• (e) the setting up, operation and maintenance of large-scale IT systems pursuant to Union law in the area of the common policy on visas, in particular the VIS, including the interoperability of those large-scale IT systems and their communication infrastructure, and actions to enhance data quality and the provision of information.

ANNEX III

Scope of support

• 1.Within the specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 3(2), the Instrument shall in particular support the following:

• (a) infrastructure, buildings, systems and services required at border crossing points and for border surveillance between border crossing points;

• (b) operating equipment, including means of transport and ICT systems, required for effective and secure border control at border crossing points and for border surveillance, in accordance with standards developed by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, where such standards exist;

• (c) training in the field of, or contributing to the development of, European integrated border management, taking into account operational needs and risk analyses, including challenges identified in the recommendations referred to in Article 13(7), and full compliance with fundamental rights;

• (d) the joint deployment of immigration liaison officers to third countries in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0006]) and secondments of border guards and other relevant experts to Member States or from a Member State to a third country, reinforcement of cooperation and operational capacity of networks of experts or liaison officers, and the exchange of best practices and boosting the capacity of European networks to assess, promote, support and develop Union policies;

• (e) the exchange of best practices and expertise, studies, pilot projects, and other relevant actions aiming to implement or develop European integrated border management, including measures aiming to develop the European Border and Coast Guard, such as common capacity building, joint procurement, establishment of common standards and other measures streamlining the cooperation and coordination between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and Member States, and measures related to the referral of vulnerable persons in need of assistance and persons who are in need of, or who wish to apply for, international protection;

• (f) actions developing innovative methods or deploying new technologies with a potential for transferability to other Member States, in particular deploying the results of security research projects where such deployment has been identified by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, acting under Article 66 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896, as contributing to the development of operational capabilities of the European Border and Coast Guard;

• (g) preparatory, monitoring, administrative and technical activities required to implement external border policies, including to strengthen the governance of the Schengen area by developing and implementing the evaluation mechanism, established by Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013 to verify the application of the Schengen acquis and Regulation (EU) 2016/399, including mission expenditure for experts of the Commission and the Member States participating in on-site visits and measures to implement recommendations issued following vulnerability assessments carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1896;

• (h) actions to enhance the quality of data stored in ICT systems and to improve the exercise of a data subject’s rights to information, access to, and rectification and erasure of, his or her personal data, and to the restriction of the processing thereof;

• (i) identification, fingerprinting, registration, security checks, debriefing, provision of information, medical and vulnerability screening and, where necessary, medical care and referral of third country nationals to the appropriate procedure at the external borders;

• (j) actions that aim to enhance awareness of external border policies among stakeholders and the general public, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union;

• (k) the development of statistical tools, methods and indicators that respect the principle of non-discrimination;

• (l) operating support for the implementation of European integrated border management.

• 2.Within the specific objective set out in point (b) of Article 3(2), the Instrument shall in particular support the following:

• (a) infrastructure and buildings required for the processing of visa applications and consular cooperation, including security measures, and other actions that aim to improve the quality of service for visa applicants;

• (b) operating equipment and ICT systems required for the processing of visa applications and consular cooperation;

• (c) training of consular and other staff contributing to the common visa policy and consular cooperation;

• (d) the exchange of best practices and the exchange of experts, including the secondment of experts, as well as boosting the capacity of European networks to assess, promote, support and further develop Union policies and objectives;

• (e) studies, pilot projects and other relevant actions, such as actions that aim to improve knowledge through analyses, monitoring and evaluation;

• (f) actions developing innovative methods or deploying new technologies with a potential for transferability to other Member States, especially projects that aim to test and validate the outcome of Union-funded research projects;

• (g) preparatory, monitoring, administrative and technical activities, including to strengthen the governance of the Schengen area by developing and implementing the evaluation mechanism as established by Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013 to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, including mission expenditure for experts of the Commission and the Member States participating in on-site visits;

• (h) activities to raise awareness among stakeholders and the general public regarding visa policies, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union;

• (i) the development of statistical tools, methods and indicators that respect the principle of non-discrimination;

• (j) operating support for the implementation of the common visa policy;

• (k) support to Member States in issuing visas, including visas with limited territorial validity, as referred to in Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, issued on humanitarian grounds, for reasons of national interest or because of international obligations.

• 3.Within the policy objective set out in Article 3(1), the Instrument shall in particular support the following:

• (a) infrastructure and buildings required for the hosting of large-scale IT systems and associated communication infrastructure components;

• (b) equipment and communication systems necessary to ensure the proper functioning of large-scale IT systems;

• (c) training and communication activities in relation to large-scale IT systems;

• (d) the development and upgrading of large-scale IT systems;

• (e) studies, proof of concepts, pilot projects and other relevant actions related to the implementation of large-scale IT systems, including their interoperability;

• (f) actions developing innovative methods or deploying new technologies with a potential for transferability to other Member States, especially projects that aim to test and validate the outcome of Union-funded research projects;

• (g) the development of statistical tools, methods and indicators for large-scale IT systems in the field of visa policy and borders that respect the principle of non-discrimination;

• (h) actions to enhance the quality of data stored in ICT systems and improve the exercise of a data subject’s rights to information, access to, rectification and erasure of, his or her personal data, and to the restriction of the processing thereof;

• (i) operating support for the implementation of large-scale IT systems.

ANNEX IV

Actions eligible for higher co-financing rates in accordance with article 12(3) and article 13(17)

• (1) The purchase of operating equipment, through joint procurement schemes with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to be put at the disposal of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency for its operational activities in accordance with Article 64(14) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896;

• (2) Measures supporting inter-agency cooperation between a Member State and a neighbouring third country with which the Union shares a common land or maritime border;

• (3) The development of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency by providing support to national authorities responsible for border management to pursue measures related to common capacity building, joint procurement, the establishment of common standards and any other measures streamlining the cooperation and coordination between the Member States and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, as outlined in point (b) of paragraph 1 of Annex II;

• (4) The joint deployment of immigration liaison officers as referred to in Annex III;

• (5) Measures within the framework of border control enhancing the identification of, and the immediate support to, victims of trafficking in human beings, as well as developing and supporting adequate referral mechanisms for those target groups and measures in the framework of border control enhancing cross-border cooperation for detecting traffickers;

• (6) The development of integrated child protection systems at the external borders, including through the sufficient training of staff and the exchange of good practice among Member States and with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency;

• (7) Measures deploying, transferring, testing and validating new methodology or technology, including pilot projects and follow-up measures to Union-funded research projects, as referred to in Annex III, and measures to enhance the quality of data stored in ICT systems in the field of visa policy and borders and to improve the exercise of a data subject’s rights to information, access to, rectification and erasure of, his or her personal data, and to the restriction of the processing thereof, in the context of actions falling within the scope of the Instrument;

• (8) Measures targeting the identification and referral to protection services of vulnerable persons and immediate assistance to such persons;

• (9) Measures for setting up and running hotspot areas in Member States facing existing or potential exceptional and disproportionate migratory pressure;

• (10) The further development of different forms of cooperation among Member States in visa processing, as outlined in point (d) of paragraph 2 of Annex II;

• (11) Increasing the consular presence or representation of Member States in third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, in particular in third countries in which no Member State is currently present;

• (12) Measures which aim to improve the interoperability of ICT systems.

ANNEX V

Core performance indicators as referred to in article 27(1)

Specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 3(2)

• 1.The number of items of equipment registered in the technical equipment pool of the European Border Coast Guard Agency.

• 2.The number of items of equipment put at the disposal of the European Border Coast Guard Agency.

• 3.The number of initiated/improved forms of cooperation of national authorities with the EUROSUR national coordination centres.

• 4.The number of border crossings through automated border control systems and e-gates.

• 5.The number of addressed recommendations from Schengen evaluations and from vulnerability assessments in the area of border management.

• 6.The number of participants who report three months after a training activity that they are using the skills and competences acquired during that training activity.

• 7.The number of persons who have applied for international protection at border crossing points.

• 8.The number of persons refused entry by border authorities.

Specific objective set out in point (b) of Article 3(2)

• 1.The number of new/upgraded consulates outside the Schengen area:

• 1.1. of which the number of consulates upgraded to enhance client-friendliness for visa applicants.

• 2.The number of addressed recommendations from Schengen evaluations in the area of the common visa policy.

• 3.The number of visa applications using digital means.

• 4.The number of initiated/improved forms of cooperation set up among Member States in visa processing.

• 5.The number of participants who report three months after a training activity that they are using the skills and competences acquired during that training activity.

ANNEX VI

TYPES OF INTERVENTION

TABLE 1: CODES FOR THE INTERVENTION FIELD DIMENSION

TABLE 2: CODES FOR THE TYPE OF ACTION DIMENSION

TABLE 3: CODES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION DIMENSION

TABLE 4: CODES FOR THEPARTICULAR THEMES DIMENSION

ANNEX VII

Expenditure eligible for operating support

• (a) Within the specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 3(2), operating support shall cover the following costs to the extent that they are not covered by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in the context of its operational activities:
• (1) staff costs, including for training;
• (2) maintenance or repair of equipment and infrastructure;
• (3) service costs within the scope of this Regulation;
• (4) running costs for operations;
• (5) costs related to real estate, including rental and depreciation. A host Member State within the meaning of point (20) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 may use operating support for the purposes of covering its own running costs for its participation in the operational activities referred to in that point that fall within the scope of this Regulation or for the purposes of its national border control activities.

• (b) Within the specific objective set out in point (b) of Article 3(2), operating support shall cover:
• (1) staff costs, including for training;
• (2) service costs;
• (3) maintenance or repair of equipment and infrastructure;
• (4) costs related to real estate, including rental and depreciation.

• (c) Within the policy objective set out in Article 3(1), operating support for large-scale IT systems shall cover:
• (1) staff costs, including for training;
• (2) operational management and maintenance of large-scale IT systems and their communication infrastructures, including the interoperability of those systems and rental of secure premises.

• (d) In addition to covering the costs listed in points (a), (b) and (c) of this Annex, operating support within Lithuania’s programme shall provide support in accordance with Article 17(1).

ANNEX VIII

Output and result indicators as referred to in article 27(3)

Specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 3(2)

Output indicators

• 1.The number of items of equipment purchased for border crossing points:

• 1.1. of which the number of automated border control systems/self-service systems/e-gates purchased.

• 2.The number of items of infrastructure maintained/repaired.

• 3.The number of hotspot areas supported.

• 4.The number of facilities for border crossing points constructed/upgraded.

• 5.The number of aerial vehicles purchased:

• 5.1. of which the number of unmanned aerial vehicles purchased.

• 6.The number of maritime transport means purchased.

• 7.The number of land transport means purchased.

• 8.The number of participants supported:

• 8.1. of which the number of participants in training activities.

• 9.The number of immigration liaison officers deployed to third countries.

• 10.The number of IT functionalities developed/maintained/upgraded.

• 11.The number of large-scale IT systems developed/maintained/upgraded:

• 11.1. of which the number of large-scale IT systems developed.

• 12.The number of cooperation projects with third countries.

• 13.The number of persons who have applied for international protection at border crossing points.

Result indicators

• 14.The number of items of equipment registered in the technical equipment pool of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

• 15.The number of items of equipment put at the disposal of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

• 16.The number of initiated/improved forms of cooperation of national authorities with the EUROSUR national coordination centres.

• 17.The number of border crossings through automated border control systems and e-gates.

• 18.The number of addressed recommendations from Schengen evaluations and from vulnerability assessments in the area of border management.

• 19.The number of participants who report three months after a training activity that they are using the skills and competences acquired during that training activity.

• 20.The number of persons refused entry by border authorities.

Specific objective set out in point (b) of Article 3(2)

Output indicators

• 1.The number of projects supporting the digitalisation of visa processing.

• 2.The number of participants supported:

• 2.1. of which the number of participants in training activities.

• 3.The number of staff deployed to consulates in third countries:

• 3.1. of which the number of staff deployed for visa processing.

• 4.The number of IT functionalities developed/maintained/upgraded.

• 5.The number of large-scale IT systems developed/maintained/upgraded:

• 5.1. of which the number of large-scale IT systems developed.

• 6.The number of items of infrastructure maintained/repaired.

• 7.The number of real estates rented/depreciated.

Result indicators

• 8.The number of new/upgraded consulates outside the Schengen area:

• 8.1. of which the number of consulates upgraded to enhance client-friendliness for visa applicants.

• 9.The number of addressed recommendations from Schengen evaluations in the area of the common visa policy.

• 10.The number of visa applications using digital means.

• 11.The number of initiated/improved forms of cooperation set up among Member States in visa processing.

• 12.The number of participants who report three months after a training activity that they are using the skills and competences acquired during that training activity.

[^E0001]: Regulation (EU) 2024/1351 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on asylum and migration management, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1147, and (EU) 2021/1060 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 (OJ L, 2024/1351, 22.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1351/oj).

[^E0002]: Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 of 15 February 2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (OJ L 53, 22.2.2007, p. 1).

[^E0003]: Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1).

[^E0004]: Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement (OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 39).

[^E0005]: Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) (OJ L 243, 15.9.2009, p. 1).

[^E0006]: Regulation (EU) 2019/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the creation of a European network of immigration liaison officers (OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 88).