BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – To bolster efforts against terrorism and organized crime, the European Union has integrated a new information alert into the Schengen Information System. This update, which came into effect on October 15, enables the exchange of real-time data from third countries and international organizations regarding suspected terrorists and serious offenders across the EU. Member States are now authorized to input this verified information into the system, with Europol providing support during the process.
The alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in serious criminal investigations, and individuals under suspicion of terrorist activities. Member States may issue alerts based on data obtained from external partners. When border guards and police officers verify a person against the system, they will be able to see these alerts. The European Commission highlighted that this enhancement will improve officers’ ability to identify more criminals and terrorists, while facilitating better cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
According to Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, the strength of Europe’s security depends on the quality of the 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 compared to the previous year. By the end of that year, more than 94.6 million alerts were stored, with member states reporting nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other nations.
Europol reviews intelligence from external sources
The new alert category is established under Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU legislators on July 6, 2022. These rules address a previous gap in how intelligence from outside the EU reaches officers. Historically, information on suspects from third countries and international organizations was often shared solely with Europol, which meant officers conducting border checks or police stops could not access it directly. This new alert system aims to provide that crucial information directly to frontline officers.
Before proposing an alert, Europol evaluates and verifies incoming data from external partners. The decision to enter an alert into the system rests solely with individual Member States. Only Member States can generate alerts, which may pertain only to third-country nationals. The suspected crimes must fall within Europol’s remit, including terrorism and other serious offenses. Europol has warned that serious criminal networks continue to pose significant threats across the EU.
The existing alert categories are still active
The new information alert supplements the existing categories within the system. Member States can still issue alerts related to arrest warrants, refusals of entry, or stay for non-EU nationals. When officers find a match with an alert, they contact the issuing country through the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices facilitate the exchange of additional information and coordinate subsequent steps among the relevant national authorities.
This upgrade is now operational across all countries connected to the system. National authorities will determine, on a case-by-case basis, which partner information to enter as an alert. The European Commission emphasized that this change will enable border guards and police officers to respond more swiftly to shared intelligence. It also aims to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Officers will be able to access the new alerts during routine checks starting October 15.”}}