Commissioner Magnus Brunner, in a written answer on 12 June 2026, declined to address substantive questions about the involvement of an FSB-licensed Russian company in developing the EU's Entry/Exit System, stating that the matter falls under the remit of the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems (eu-LISA). Brunner promised to forward eu-LISA's reply to the MEP as soon as possible, effectively sidestepping direct accountability on a critical infrastructure project.
The answer responds to a parliamentary question submitted on 24 February 2026 by Mariusz Kamiński (ECR, Poland), who raised concerns about security risks after the Financial Times reported that Atos, the French contractor for the Entry/Exit System, had outsourced software procurement to its Russian subsidiary. That subsidiary operated under a license allowing the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to interfere in its activities, potentially exposing sensitive border management data to hostile intelligence services. Kamiński noted that investigations by the European Public Prosecutor's Office and OLAF, while focused on financial fraud, found eu-LISA's internal security measures insufficient.
Brunner's response contains no concrete proposals, numerical targets, or deadlines for addressing the security gaps. It offers only a vague commitment to transmit eu-LISA's reply, leaving open questions about consequences for Atos, guarantees of data protection, and the severity of the threat. The policy orientation appears to be one of institutional delegation rather than proactive oversight, potentially disappointing MEPs seeking stronger Commission involvement in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Expected institutional follow-up includes eu-LISA's forthcoming reply, which may clarify security audits or remedial actions. However, the Commission's reluctance to engage directly signals a preference for agency-level handling, which could delay parliamentary scrutiny and public reassurance.
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