BRUSSELS, Belgium / RankWire.AI / – European Union police forces and border security personnel can now access real-time intelligence from external partners regarding suspected terrorists. A new alert feature within the Schengen Information System became operational on October 15, enabling Member States to input verified data received from third countries and international agencies. This information pertains to individuals suspected of terrorism and serious criminal activities. Europol assists national authorities in integrating this data into the system.
The newly introduced alert encompasses foreign terrorist fighters as well as persons under suspicion of engaging in terrorist acts. It also applies to suspects involved in serious criminal investigations. Member States are authorized to issue alerts based on the intelligence provided by external partners. According to the European Commission, this update will enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify more terrorists and criminals and will strengthen cooperation among authorities throughout the EU.
Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized that the security of Europe depends on the quality of available information. The database functions as a key instrument in the broader EU counterterrorism strategy. In 2025, authorities conducted approximately 17.7 billion searches within the system, reflecting an 18% increase from 2024, according to eu-LISA. The agency, responsible for managing the system, reported that over 94.6 million alerts were stored by the end of 2025.
Closing the intelligence gap with partner data
The legal framework supporting these changes is Regulation (EU) 2022/1190, enacted on July 6, 2022. This regulation amended existing rules regarding police and judicial cooperation via the system. Previously, partner information about third-country suspects was primarily sent to Europol, leaving front-line officers without direct access. The new alert system aims to present such data immediately during checks.
Before proposing an alert, Europol reviews the information to verify its authenticity. Member States can then choose, at their discretion, whether to activate the alert after conducting their own verification. Only national authorities are authorized to submit alerts. These alerts are restricted to third-country nationals suspected of offenses within Europol’s jurisdiction, including terrorism and serious crimes associated with high-threat criminal networks operating in Europe.
Existing arrest warrant and entry ban alerts remain unaffected
This new category does not supersede the existing alerts in the system. Member States continue to issue alerts based on arrest warrants and for refusals of entry or residence. When a match is identified, the national SIRENE Bureau contacts the corresponding office in the country that issued the alert. They exchange additional information and coordinate subsequent actions case by case.
Effective from October 15 across all connected countries, this update grants national authorities greater discretion in deciding which external information warrants an alert. The European Commission highlighted that this enhancement will aid border guards and police officers in recognizing more suspects. Officers will encounter these alerts during routine border checks and within the Schengen zone. Europol remains available to support Member States in managing partner intelligence data.