BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – Law enforcement officers and border guards across the European Union now have the ability to access real-time intelligence from external partners regarding terrorist suspects. A new alert feature within the Schengen Information System became operational on October 15. This update allows Member States to input trusted data received from third countries and international organizations. The information pertains to individuals suspected of terrorism and serious criminal activities. Europol assists national authorities in integrating this information into the system.
The alert can target foreign terrorist fighters and individuals under suspicion of engaging in terrorist acts. It also extends to suspects involved in serious criminal investigations. Member States may issue these alerts based on data received from external sources. According to the European Commission, this change aims to enable officers to identify a greater number of criminals and terrorists. Additionally, it is expected to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies throughout the EU.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security depends heavily on the quality of available information. The database plays a crucial role in the broader EU counterterrorism efforts. In 2025, authorities conducted approximately 17.7 billion searches within the system, marking an 18% increase compared to 2024, according to eu-LISA. The agency managing the system reported that over 94.6 million alerts were stored by the end of 2025.
Closing the intelligence gap from partners
The legal foundation for this development is Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, enacted on July 6, 2022. It revised the rules governing police and judicial cooperation via the system. Previously, information held by partners about third-country suspects was often relayed solely to Europol, leaving ground officers without direct access. The new alert system aims to make this information immediately available during checks.
Europol conducts initial analysis of the data to verify its accuracy before proposing an alert. Each Member State independently determines whether to activate the alert after its own verification process. Only national authorities have the authority to input alerts. These alerts are limited to third-country nationals suspected of offenses within Europol’s scope, including terrorism and serious crimes associated with high-threat criminal networks operating in Europe.
Maintaining alerts for arrest warrants and entry bans
This new category does not replace existing alerts. Member States continue to issue alerts based on arrest warrants and can also input alerts related to refusals of entry or residence. When a match is identified, the national SIRENE Bureau contacts the corresponding bureau in the country that issued the alert. These offices exchange additional information and determine subsequent actions.
Effective from October 15 across all connected countries, this update allows national authorities to decide which external partner information warrants triggering an alert. The European Commission states that this enhancement will support border guards and police officers in recognizing more suspects. Officers will encounter these alerts during routine checks at borders and within the Schengen zone. Europol will continue providing support to Member States in managing partner information.