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On 11 June 2025, Marili Männik, Executive Director ad interim of eu-LISA, opened the Agency’s Industry Roundtable in Warsaw, held in cooperation with the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In her speech, Ms Männik reaffirmed that at eu-LISA, we serve citizens through technology - delivering secure, cutting-edge digital tools that help keep Europe safe, secure, and open. These solutions are built in close cooperation with EU institutions, Member States, and industry partners, all working towards a common goal: a safer and more open Europe that protects both its citizens and their data.
Serving Citizens Through Technology
eu-LISA’s digital solutions aim to deliver high-value services to the public while ensuring strong data protection. “To build the right solutions, we must work together,” Ms Männik stated, highlighting the Agency’s close collaboration with Member States, EU institutions, and industry stakeholders.
A Platform for Exchange
The Industry Roundtable, now in its 11th year, is a long-standing tradition of the Agency. It provides a unique opportunity to discuss pressing issues in digital transformation. This year’s focus is on how Agile, DevSecOps, and Software Factories can enable the public sector to deliver better digital services - more securely, efficiently, and at scale.
The Need for Modern Software Development in Public Institutions
Ms Männik spoke of the enormous scale and complexity of the IT systems managed by eu-LISA - such as the Schengen Information System, Eurodac, and the Entry/Exit System. These systems support millions of transactions daily, and must evolve continuously in response to legislative changes and public expectations.
The challenge is not only technical but strategic. “Agile is key to meeting evolving public expectations,” she noted, explaining that the Agency has adopted more flexible and efficient working methods to accelerate delivery and ensure operational readiness.
From Setbacks to Solutions
In light of previous delays - particularly with the Entry/Exit System - eu-LISA undertook a fundamental shift in its delivery model. By introducing Agile workflows, cross-functional squads, and minimum viable products, the Agency has accelerated development. The successful go-live of sBMS and VIS4EES in May 2025 demonstrates the benefits of this transformation.
The Shift Towards Agile, DevSecOps and Software Factories
Traditional, linear development approaches are no longer sufficient. Ms Männik outlined how Agile methods allow rapid iteration and adaptation; how DevSecOps embeds security and automation from the start; and how Software Factories turn development into a scalable, in-house capability - combining internal staff and external experts under one roof.
“These are not just technical changes,” she stressed. “They are cultural changes that require new skills, new ways of working, and closer collaboration between developers, policy-makers, and end users.”
Interoperability and Collaboration in the EU Context
Operating at the intersection of numerous EU stakeholders, eu-LISA must ensure that systems and teams work seamlessly together. Ms Männik stressed the importance of interoperability not only between technologies but also among institutions, countries, and disciplines. Standardisation, automation, and organisational agility are essential for digital systems at European scale.
Questions for the Future
The Roundtable offers a moment to reflect on several key questions:
How can Agile work in a regulated public sector?
How do we ensure security without slowing down innovation?
Can successful pilot projects be scaled up?
And what can we learn from each other across borders and sectors?
Ms Männik encouraged participants to engage actively in finding practical answers, supported by both institutional and industry expertise.
Fit for Purpose, Fit for the Future
eu-LISA sees digital transformation as a continuous journey. Whether integrating AI, preparing for post-quantum cryptography, or enhancing interoperability, a strong digital foundation is essential.
“We are all here with a shared purpose - to build digital public services that are not only fit for purpose, but fit for the future,” Ms Männik concluded.
A Shared Platform for Progress
This Roundtable builds on the success of previous editions. The 2023 event in Budapest, which focused on AI, helped shape the Agency’s internal roadmap. This year’s discussions aim to support a shift towards greater independence, responsiveness, and sustainability in public IT delivery.
The event also welcomes a stronger academic presence, with expert speakers from leading universities providing fresh insights into practical challenges.
“We hope this event contributes to your own work as much as ours,” said Ms Männik, “and that it helps strengthen Europe’s collective ability to build better government software at scale.”
