BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has introduced an updated information alert within the Schengen Information System to bolster the fight against terrorism and organized crime. This update became active on October 15. It enables real-time sharing of data from third countries and international organizations concerning 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 new alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in serious criminal investigations, and individuals believed to be engaged in terrorist activities. Member States can issue such alerts based on data obtained from external partners. When border guards and police officers check a person’s details against the system, they will see this alert. According to the European Commission, this enhancement will improve law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists. It will also facilitate cooperation among law enforcement agencies across borders.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends heavily on the quality of information available. Managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT systems, the system handled 17.76 billion searches in 2025, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. By the end of that year, the system contained over 94.6 million alerts. Member States also reported nearly 365,000 matches with alerts issued by other countries.
Europol evaluates intelligence from external sources before issuing alerts
This new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. The regulation addresses a previous gap in how external intelligence reaches law enforcement. Prior to this, information on suspects from third countries and international organizations was mainly shared with Europol. Officers conducting border checks or police stops could not access that data directly. The new alert system aims to provide law enforcement officers with immediate access to this critical information.
Europol first reviews and verifies information received from external partners before proposing an alert. A Member State then has the discretion to decide whether to input that data into the system. Only Member States can create these alerts, which are limited to third-country nationals. The suspected offenses must fall within Europol’s scope, which includes terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has warned that serious criminal networks continue to pose significant threats throughout the EU.
Existing alert categories remain active alongside the new additions
This new alert type supplements existing categories in the system. Member States can still issue alerts related to arrest warrants. They may also record alerts regarding refusals of entry or residence for non-EU nationals. When an alert matches a person, the officer contacts the issuing country through the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices exchange additional information and coordinate the next steps between involved authorities.
The system upgrade is now operational across all connected countries. National authorities will decide on a case-by-case basis which partner information to include as an alert. The European Commission stated that this update will help border guards and police officers act swiftly on shared intelligence. It emphasizes that this change is intended to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Officers will be able to view the new alerts during routine checks starting October 15.