BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – A new information alert has been incorporated into the Schengen Information System by the European Union to bolster efforts against terrorism and organized crime. The implementation became effective on October 15. This update allows real-time sharing of data from third countries and international organizations concerning suspected terrorists and serious criminals throughout the EU. Member States now have the capability to input this verified information into the system, with Europol providing support during the process.
This alert applies to foreign terrorist fighters, individuals involved in serious criminal investigations, and those suspected of terrorist acts. Member States can issue alerts based on information provided by external partners. When border guards and police officers check an individual against the system, these alerts will appear. According to the European Commission, this enhancement is expected to improve law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists, while also facilitating cooperation among authorities.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends heavily on the quality of available information. The system is operated by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT infrastructure. In 2025, it conducted 17.76 billion searches in 2025, reflecting an 18% increase from the previous year. By the end of that year, it stored over 94.6 million alerts, with member states reporting nearly 365,000 matches on alerts issued by other nations.
Europol verifies external intelligence before alert issuance
The new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, which was adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. This legislation addresses a gap in how intelligence from outside the EU reaches officers on the ground. Previously, data on suspects from third countries and international organizations was mostly shared exclusively with Europol. Consequently, officers conducting border checks or police stops could not access this information. The new alert system aims to bring this critical intelligence directly to frontline officers.
Europol reviews and confirms information from external sources before proposing an alert. Subsequently, a Member State can choose whether or not to input the alert into the system, which is exclusively managed by member states. These alerts can only concern third-country nationals, and the suspected offenses must align with Europol’s mandate—covering terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has cautioned that serious criminal networks continue to pose a significant threat across the EU.
Retention of current alert categories continues
Alongside the new alert, existing categories remain active within the system. Member states can issue alerts related to arrest warrants or refusals of entry and stay for non-EU nationals. When a match is found, officers contact the issuing country via the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices facilitate the exchange of additional information and coordinate subsequent actions among the involved authorities.
The new alert function is now operational in all connected countries. National authorities will determine on a case-by-case basis which external partner information should be entered as an alert. The European Commission highlighted that this development will enable border guards and police officers to act more swiftly on shared intelligence. It also aims to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The alerts can now be accessed during routine checks from October 15.