BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – To strengthen efforts against terrorism and organized crime, the European Union introduced a new information alert to the Schengen Information System. Effective from October 15, this update allows real-time sharing of data from third countries and international organizations concerning suspected terrorists and serious offenders throughout the EU. Member States are now able to input this trusted information directly into the system, with Europol providing support during the process.
This alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in serious criminal investigations, and individuals believed to be engaged in terrorist activities. Member States may issue alerts based on data received from external partners. When border guards and police officers verify a person against the system, these alerts will be visible. The European Commission highlighted that this enhancement will enable law enforcement to identify more criminals and terrorists, while also facilitating better cooperation among authorities.
Magnus Brunner, 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 recorded 17.76 billion searches in 2025, reflecting an 18% increase from the previous year, with over 94.6 million alerts at year-end. Additionally, member states reported nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other countries.
Europol reviews external intelligence for alert issuance
The new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. This regulation addresses a gap by improving how intelligence from outside the EU reaches law enforcement officers. Previously, information about suspects from third countries and international organizations was typically shared only with Europol, and officers conducting border or police checks could not access it. The purpose of the alert is to transmit that data directly to officers on the ground.
Before proposing an alert, Europol evaluates and confirms the information received from external partners. Member States then independently decide whether to include it in the system. Alerts are exclusively issued by Member States and may 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.
Current alert categories are still operational
Alongside the new alert category, existing options remain available. Member States may continue issuing alerts related to arrest warrants or refusals of entry or stay for non-EU nationals. When a match occurs, officers contact the issuing country through the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices facilitate the exchange of additional information and coordinate subsequent actions among relevant authorities.
The new system is now active across all connected countries, with national authorities determining which partner information to flag as alerts on a case-by-case basis. The European Commission stated that this change will enable border guards and police officers to respond more swiftly to shared intelligence. It underscores a commitment to deeper cooperation among law enforcement agencies, with officers able to view the new alerts during routine checks starting from October 15.