BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – In an effort to bolster security measures against terrorism and organized crime, the European Union has introduced an additional information alert within the Schengen Information System. This update, effective from October 15, aims to facilitate immediate sharing of data from third countries and international organizations concerning suspected terrorists and serious criminals across the EU. Member States are now authorized to input this verified information into the system, with Europol providing support during the process.
The newly added alert category encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in major criminal investigations, and individuals under suspicion of engaging in terrorist activities. Member States can issue these alerts based on data obtained from external partners. When border guards and police officers perform checks against the system, they will be able to see these alerts. According to the European Commission, this upgrade is expected to improve law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists and streamline cooperation among authorities.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends on the quality of the information it holds. 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. As of that year’s end, there were over 94.6 million alerts in the database. Member States also reported nearly 365,000 matches with alerts issued by other countries, demonstrating active international cooperation.
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. It addresses a gap in how intelligence from outside the EU is conveyed to officers. Previously, information regarding suspects held by third countries and international organizations was mostly shared solely with Europol, which meant officers at borders or during police stops could not access it. The purpose of the alert is to provide this critical information directly to those on the ground.
Prior to issuing an alert, Europol verifies and analyzes data from external partners. The decision to add the alert to the system rests with each Member State, which can choose whether or not to do so. Only Member States are authorized to generate alerts, which may concern only third-country nationals. The alleged offences must fall within Europol’s remit, including terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has cautioned that serious criminal networks continue to represent a significant threat across the EU.
Current alert categories remain unaffected by the update
The new alert type supplements existing categories in the system. Member States may still issue alerts related to arrest warrants, and alerts concerning refusals of entry or stay for non-EU nationals remain valid. When an officer identifies a match with 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 relevant authorities.
The system-wide upgrade is now operational across all connected nations. National authorities will determine on a case-by-case basis which partner information to record as an alert. The European Commission highlighted that this change will enable border guards and police officers to respond more swiftly to shared intelligence, fostering deeper cooperation among law enforcement agencies. From October 15, officers will be able to view these new alerts during routine checks.