BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The Schengen Information System now includes a new type of information alert aimed at bolstering efforts against terrorism and organized crime, following its implementation on October 15. This update allows real-time access to data from third countries and international organizations on individuals suspected of terrorism and serious crimes across the entire EU. Member States are authorized to input this reliable information directly into the system, with Europol providing support throughout the process.
This alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects under investigation for serious crimes, and persons suspected of terrorist acts. It can be issued based on data obtained from external partners. When border guards and police officers check someone against the system, they will now see these alerts. According to the European Commission, this upgrade will enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists, while also facilitating smoother cooperation between authorities.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends on the quality of information at its disposal. The EU agency eu-LISA, responsible for managing the system, processed 17.76 billion searches in 2025, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. At year’s end, the system contained over 94.6 million alerts, with nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other countries reported by Member States.
Europol reviews external intelligence before alert issuance
This new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. The regulation addresses a gap in how external intelligence reaches law enforcement officers. Until now, suspect information from third countries and international organizations was typically shared only with Europol. Officers conducting border checks or police stops could not see this data, but the new alert system aims to change that by delivering relevant information directly to officers in the field.
Europol undertakes analysis and verification of external information before recommending an alert. Member States then choose whether to input it into the system. Only Member States are authorized to generate these alerts, which can only concern third-country nationals. The suspected offenses must align with Europol’s mandate, which covers terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has issued a warning that serious criminal networks continue to present a significant threat across the EU.
Current alert types are still operational
The new alert category complements the existing ones in the system. Member States retain the ability to issue alerts related to arrest warrants, entry refusals, or stay bans for non-EU nationals. When an alert matches a person, the national authorities can contact the issuing country via the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices facilitate the exchange of additional information and coordinate subsequent actions among involved authorities.
The update is now active across all countries connected to the system. Each national authority will determine on a case-by-case basis which partner information to enter as an alert. The European Commission highlighted that this change will enable border guards and police officers to respond more swiftly to shared intelligence and foster closer collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Starting October 15, officers will be able to view these new alerts during routine checks.