BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has introduced an upgraded information alert within the Schengen Information System aimed at bolstering efforts against terrorism and organized crime. Effective from October 15, this update allows the sharing of data from third countries and international organizations concerning suspected terrorists and serious criminals across the EU in real time. Member States now have the capability to input this trusted external information into the system, with support from Europol throughout the process.
This alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in serious criminal investigations, and individuals under suspicion of terrorist activities. Member States can issue alerts based on data received from external partners. When border guards and police officers conduct checks, they will see these alerts when matching a person against the system. According to the European Commission, this enhancement aims to improve officers’ ability to identify criminals and terrorists more effectively, while also facilitating better cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner 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 recorded 17.76 billion searches in 2025, reflecting an 18% increase compared to the previous year. By year-end, it contained more than 94.6 million alerts, with member states reporting nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other countries.
Europol reviews intelligence from outside sources
This new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. It addresses a gap in how external intelligence reaches law enforcement officials. Previously, data about suspects from third countries and international organizations was primarily shared with Europol, but officers conducting border or police checks could not access this information directly. The purpose of the alert is to deliver such details straight to the officers checking individuals.
Europol conducts analysis and verification of external data before proposing an alert. A Member State then chooses whether to input this information into the system at its discretion. Only member states are authorized to create alerts, which can only concern third-country nationals. The suspected offenses must align with Europol’s mandate, including terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has warned that serious criminal networks continue to pose a significant threat across the EU.
The current alert categories remain unchanged
In addition to the new alert, existing categories within the system are still available. Member states may issue alerts related to arrest warrants or for refusals of entry or stay for non-EU nationals. When officers identify a match on an alert, they 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 national authorities.
This upgrade has now been activated in all countries connected to the system. National authorities will determine on a case-by-case basis which partner information to record as an alert. The European Commission stated that this change will enable border guards and police officers to act more swiftly on shared intelligence. It also aims to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Officers will be able to view the new alerts during routine checks starting October 15.