BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – Starting October 15, law enforcement officers and border guards within the European Union can access real-time intelligence regarding terrorist suspects from external partners through the updated Schengen Information System. This new alert feature allows Member States to input verified data from third countries and international organizations concerning suspected terrorists and serious criminals. Europol supports national authorities as they incorporate this information into the system.
The alert may be utilized for foreign terrorist fighters and individuals suspected of engaging in terrorist activities, as well as suspects involved in serious criminal investigations. Member States are empowered to issue alerts based on intelligence provided by external partners. According to the European Commission, this update will facilitate officers in identifying more criminals and terrorists and enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies across the EU.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that Europe’s security relies heavily on the quality of information available. The database is a vital component of the EU’s broader counterterrorism efforts. Data indicates that approximately 17.7 billion searches were conducted in 2025, representing an 18% increase compared to 2024, as reported by eu-LISA. By the end of 2025, the agency managing the system stated it had accumulated over 94.6 million alerts.
Closing the partner intelligence gap
The legal framework underpinning this development is Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, adopted on July 6, 2022. It revised the regulations governing police and judicial cooperation within the system. Previously, information held by partners about suspects from third countries was mainly relayed to Europol, leaving officers on the ground without direct access. This new alert is designed to present that intelligence immediately at the time of checks.
Europol initially reviews the data and assesses its accuracy before recommending an alert. Each Member State independently determines whether to activate the alert following their own verification. Only national authorities are authorized to input alerts. These alerts are limited to third-country nationals suspected of crimes falling under Europol’s jurisdiction, including terrorism and other serious offenses associated with high-threat criminal networks operating within Europe.
Maintained alerts for arrest warrants and entry restrictions
This new alert category does not replace existing ones. Member States retain the ability to issue alerts based on arrest warrants or for refusals of entry and stay. When a match is identified, the respective national SIRENE Bureau contacts the issuing country’s counterpart to share additional information and coordinate subsequent actions.
This update takes effect from October 15 across all connected nations. Now, national authorities will determine which external partner information should be transformed into alerts. The European Commission highlighted that this enhancement will enable border guards and police to recognize more suspects. These alerts will be visible during routine border checks and within the Schengen zone. Europol will continue providing support to Member States in managing partner-derived data.