BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has introduced a new information alert into the Schengen Information System to bolster efforts against terrorism and organized crime. The update became active on October 15. It enables real-time access across the EU to data from third countries and international organizations about suspected terrorists and serious criminals. Member States now have the ability to input this trusted information directly into the system. Europol provides support throughout this process.
This alert covers foreign terrorist fighters, suspects involved in serious criminal investigations, and individuals suspected of terrorist acts. Member States may issue alerts based on data received from external partners. When border guards and police officers check a person against the system, they will see these alerts. The European Commission highlighted that this upgrade will improve law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists. It will also facilitate better cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends on the quality of information. The system is managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT systems. In 2025, it conducted 17.76 billion searches in 2025, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. By the end of that year, the system contained over 94.6 million alerts. Member States also reported nearly 365,000 hits on alerts issued by other countries.
Europol reviews external intelligence before issuing alerts
The new alert category is based on Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, approved by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. These rules address gaps in how external intelligence reaches law enforcement. Previously, information about suspects from third countries and international organizations was often shared only with Europol. Officers checking a person at the border or during a police stop could not access this information. The new alert aims to bring that data directly to them.
Europol verifies and analyzes information from external partners before recommending an alert. Member States decide whether to enter the alert into the system. Only Member States can create these alerts, which may only concern third-country nationals. The suspected offenses must fall within Europol’s mandate, including terrorism and other serious crimes. Europol has warned that serious criminal networks still pose a significant threat across the EU.
Current alert categories stay unchanged
The new alert type supplements existing categories in the system. Member States can still issue alerts related to arrest warrants. They can also submit alerts for refusals of entry or stay for non-EU nationals. When an officer finds a match, they contact the issuing country through the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices share additional information and coordinate the next steps between involved authorities.
The update is now active in all countries connected to the system. National authorities will decide on a case-by-case basis which partner information to include as an alert. The European Commission stated that this change will help border guards and police act more swiftly on shared intelligence. It aims to deepen cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Officers will be able to view these new alerts during routine checks starting October 15.