BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – A new information alert has been introduced within the Schengen Information System by the European Union, aiming to bolster efforts against terrorism and organized crime. Effective from October 15, this update allows for the real-time sharing of data from third countries and international organizations on suspected terrorists and serious criminals across the EU. Member States are now authorized to input this trusted information into the system with Europol providing support throughout the process.
This alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in serious crime investigations, and individuals suspected of terrorist acts. Member States have the ability to issue an alert based on data received from external partners. When border guards and police officers scan a person against the system, they will see this alert. The European Commission indicated that this upgrade will enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists, while also facilitating smoother cooperation among authorities.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, stated that Europe’s security relies heavily on the quality of information available. Managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT systems, the system recorded 17.76 billion searches in 2025, reflecting an 18% increase from the previous year. By year’s end, it contained over 94.6 million alerts, with Member States reporting nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other countries.
Europol evaluates external intelligence before alert issuance
The new category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. These rules address a gap concerning how external intelligence reaches officers. Previously, information on suspects from third countries and international bodies was mainly shared with Europol and often unavailable to officers during border checks or police stops. This alert system aims to bring such information directly to officers on the ground.
Europol reviews and confirms information received from external sources before recommending an alert. Member States then decide independently whether to add the alert to the system. Only Member States have the authority to create these alerts, which can only concern third-country nationals. The suspected offenses must be within Europol’s scope, including terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has warned that serious criminal networks remain a significant threat across the EU.
Current alert categories continue to operate alongside the new system
This new alert type complements existing categories in the system, which include alerts related to arrest warrants and refusals of entry or stay for non-EU nationals. When an officer encounters a match with an alert, they contact the issuing country via the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices exchange additional information and coordinate subsequent steps among involved authorities.
The system upgrade is now functional across all connected countries. Each national authority will determine on a case-by-case basis which partner information should be entered as an alert. The European Commission highlighted that this change will enable border guards and police officers to respond more swiftly to shared intelligence. It also aims to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Officers can now view the new alerts during routine checks starting October 15.