BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – To bolster efforts against terrorism and organized crime, the European Union has introduced an additional information alert to the Schengen Information System. Effective as of October 15, this update ensures that data from third countries and international bodies concerning suspected terrorists and serious criminals can be accessed in real time across the EU. Member States are now enabled to input this trusted information into the system, with Europol providing support throughout the process.
This new alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, individuals suspected of engaging in serious criminal activities, and persons under investigation for terrorist offenses. Member States have the authority to issue alerts based on information provided by external partners. When border guards or police officers verify a person’s details against the system, the alert will be visible. The European Commission has indicated that this upgrade will enhance the detection of criminals and terrorists, as well as streamline cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends on the quality of information available. Managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT systems, the system conducted 17.76 billion searches in 2025, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. By the end of that year, over 94.6 million alerts had been stored, with Member States registering nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other countries.
Verification and vetting of external intelligence by Europol
This new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. It addresses a previous gap where intelligence from outside the EU was often only shared with Europol, preventing officers at borders or during police stops from having direct access. The purpose of the alert is to deliver such information directly to officers involved in routine checks.
Prior to issuing an alert, Europol verifies and analyzes information received from external partners. Subsequently, Member States decide whether to enter the alert into the system at their discretion. Only Member States have the authority to create alerts, which may only concern third-country nationals. The suspected offenses must align with Europol’s mandate, including terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has issued a warning that serious criminal networks continue to present a significant threat across the EU.
Previous alert categories remain available
The new alert type supplements existing categories within the system. Member States are still able to issue alerts related to arrest warrants and entries or refusals of entry for non-EU nationals. When an officer encounters a match on an alert, they contact the issuing country through the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices exchange additional information and coordinate subsequent actions among the involved authorities.
The upgrade is now operational across all countries connected to the system. National authorities 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 foster deeper cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The new alerts will be visible to officers during routine checks starting October 15.