BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – The European Union, through eu-LISA, has introduced a new information alert within the Schengen Information System to bolster efforts against terrorism and organized crime. Effective from October 15, this update enables the sharing of real-time data from third countries and international organizations concerning suspected terrorists and serious offenders across the EU. Member States are now able to input this reliable information directly into the system, with Europol providing support during the process.
This new alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters, individuals involved in serious crime investigations, and persons suspected of terrorist activities. Member States can issue alerts based on data obtained from external partners. When border guards and police officers check an individual against the system, they will see these alerts. The European Commission stated that this enhancement will improve law enforcement’s ability to identify more criminals and terrorists and will facilitate cooperation among authorities.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that the security of Europe depends on the quality of the information available. The system is managed by eu-LISA, the EU agency responsible for large-scale IT systems, which handled 17.76 billion searches in 2025, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. By the end of that year, it stored over 94.6 million alerts. Member States also reported nearly 365,000 instances where alerts issued by other countries were matched.
Europol Verifies External Intelligence Before Alert Issuance
The new category is established under Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted by EU lawmakers on July 6, 2022. This regulation addresses a previous gap in how outside intelligence reaches law enforcement officers. Previously, information on suspects from third countries and international organizations was mainly shared with Europol, and officers conducting border checks or police stops could not access it directly. The new alert system is designed to provide these officers immediate access to such crucial information.
Europol reviews and authenticates data received from external sources before recommending an alert. A Member State then independently determines whether to add the alert to the system. Only Member States can create these alerts, which may only concern third-country nationals. The suspected crimes must fall within Europol’s scope, including terrorism and other serious offenses. Europol also cautioned that serious criminal networks continue to pose significant threats throughout the EU.
Previous Alert Types Are Still Active
This new alert functionality complements existing categories within the system. Member States can still issue alerts related to arrest warrants or refusals of entry or residence for non-EU nationals. When officers encounter a match on an alert, they contact the issuing country via the network of national SIRENE Bureaux. These offices exchange additional information and coordinate subsequent actions among involved authorities.
The update is now operational across all connected countries. Each national authority will determine on a case-by-case basis which external partner information to convert into an alert. The European Commission highlighted that this development will enable border guards and police to act more swiftly on shared intelligence. It also aims to foster closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies. From October 15, officers will be able to view the new alerts during routine checks.