Single search interface for European information systems

The Commission communication on stronger and smarter information systems explored options on how existing and future information systems could enhance external border management and internal security. It outlined four dimensions of interoperability:
1. Introducing a single search interface for accessing different information systems simultaneously;
2. Interconnecting information systems to allow data registered in one system to be automatically consulted by another system;
3. Establishing a shared biometric matching service that will support various information systems;
4. Establishing a common repository of data to be used by different information systems.
The single search interface will enable competent authorities to query several information systems simultaneously. The Council’s roadmap to enhance information exchange identified the implementation of a single search interface as a priority action. In its interim report, the HLEG recommended the Commission start working on establishing a single search interface that could be used without changing existing access rights (see figure 18)