BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – Law enforcement officers and border security personnel throughout the European Union can now access live intelligence from external partners concerning terrorist suspects. A recent update to the Schengen Information System, which became active on October 15, introduces an information alert feature. This functionality allows Member States to input trusted data obtained from third countries and international organizations. The information primarily involves suspected terrorists and serious criminals. Europol plays a supporting role by assisting national authorities in uploading this data into the system.
The newly implemented alert can target foreign terrorist fighters and individuals under suspicion of terrorist activities. It also extends to suspects involved in serious criminal investigations. Member States are authorized to issue alerts based on intelligence received from external sources. The European Commission highlighted that this development will enhance officers’ ability to identify more criminals and terrorists. Furthermore, it is expected to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies across the EU.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends on the quality of information available. The database serves as a vital component of broader EU counterterrorism operations. According to eu-LISA, around 17.7 billion searches were conducted in 2025, reflecting an 18% increase compared to 2024. The agency, responsible for managing the system, reported that over 94.6 million alerts were stored by the end of 2025.
Enhancing partner intelligence integration
The legal framework supporting this update is Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, enacted on July 6, 2022. It amended existing rules governing police and judicial cooperation within the system. Prior to this change, partner agencies’ information concerning third-country suspects was often relayed solely to Europol, leaving frontline officers without direct access during checks. The new alert feature aims to present this data immediately during border or internal checks.
Initially, Europol reviews the data to verify its accuracy and then recommends issuing an alert. Each Member State can decide independently whether to input the alert following its own confirmation. Only national authorities are authorized to submit alert information. These alerts are restricted to third-country nationals suspected of offenses within Europol’s jurisdiction, including terrorism and other serious crimes associated with high-threat criminal networks operating in Europe.
Existing arrest warrants and entry bans remain active
This latest category does not replace existing alerts. Member States continue to issue alerts based on arrest warrants and can still input notifications regarding entry or residence refusals. When a match is identified, the national SIRENE Bureau contacts its counterpart in the country that issued the alert, sharing additional details and coordinating the next steps for each case.
Effective from October 15, this feature is now accessible in all countries connected to the system. National authorities will determine which external partner information qualifies for alert creation. The European Commission noted that this upgrade will assist border guards and police in recognizing more suspects. Officers will encounter these alerts during routine checks both at borders and within the Schengen area. Europol remains committed to supporting Member States in managing partner data effectively.