The ETIAS Fundamental Rights Guidance Board has published its first Annual Report, marking an important step in its mission to safeguard fundamental rights within the framework of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This report provides an overview of the Guidance Board's structure, organisation, and key areas of focus in 2023.

Throughout the reporting period, the Guidance Board concentrated on building internal capacity. It also supported the initial technical and organisational phases of ETIAS, including developing screening rules, establishing the ETIAS watchlist, and procedures for the processing of applications. The Guidance Board also provided expert input on specific consultations that arose during the year.

The period covered by the report was marked by the complexities of implementing ETIAS in a constantly evolving environment. As the system's development progressed, new and emerging fundamental rights challenges came to light. The Guidance Board has actively worked to identify these issues and address them, contributing constructively to the ongoing development of ETIAS.

Implementing a large-scale IT system like ETIAS, which involves multiple actors, presents significant challenges-not only in ensuring the system functions effectively but also in protecting fundamental rights. The Guidance Board, during its formative phase, has begun to address them and is committed to continuing this work in the future.

Throughout the reporting period, the Guidance Board concentrated on building internal capacity. It also supported the initial technical and organisational phases of ETIAS, including developing screening rules, establishing the ETIAS watchlist, and procedures for the processing of applications.