Meeting at the Personal Data Protection Office on EU Large Scale Information Systems

On 11 May, an event dedicated to non‑governmental organisations supporting foreigners was held at the headquarters of the Personal Data Protection Office. The meeting focused on the European Union’s large‑scale information systems and the protection of personal data. It took place as part of the information activities accompanying the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES).

Opening the meeting, Professor Agnieszka Grzelak, Deputy President of the Personal Data Protection Office, emphasised that this was the Office’s first initiative prepared specifically for non‑governmental organisations working daily with foreigners and addressing the practical aspects of personal data processing in EU information systems.

Professor Grzelak also pointed out that the introduction of new EU systems based on extensive processing of personal data (including biometric data) requires not only appropriate preparation on the part of public administration, but also reliable information directed at the individuals whose data are processed. Social organisations play a particularly important role in this regard, as they often serve as the first point of contact for foreigners seeking support and information about their rights.

The Deputy President of the Personal Data Protection Office further noted that the implementation of the EES system and the development of EU systems such as SIS, VIS, ETIAS and EURODAC necessitate maintaining a balance between security and efficient border management on the one hand, and the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy and personal data protection, on the other. She added that safeguarding these rights requires cooperation between public institutions, supervisory authorities and civil society organisations.

During the meeting, experts from the Personal Data Protection Office presented the operating principles of the EU’s large‑scale information systems, the scope of the data processed within them, and the rights of data subjects, together with practical guidance on how these rights may be exercised.

Maria Jęda, Chief Coordinator for EU Large‑Scale Information Systems, discussed the functioning of the EES, SIS, VIS, ETIAS and EURODAC systems and the data protection safeguards associated with them. Aleksandra Bitowt, Head of the Initial Complaint Assessment Department at the Personal Data Protection Office, presented the practical aspects of exercising the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Office, as well as procedural issues related to submitting complaints.

The meeting between the Personal Data Protection Office and organisations working with foreigners confirmed the need for continued dialogue and cooperation in the area of informing individuals about their data protection rights.

Information on the rights of persons whose data are processed in the EU’s large‑scale information systems is available on the website of the Personal Data Protection Office.