From October 15th, the Schengen Information System (SIS) will feature expanded functionalities to intensify the fight against terrorism and serious organized crime. A new information alert capability will enable real-time access across the European Union to data shared by third countries and international organizations concerning individuals suspected of terrorism and involvement in serious crimes.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President responsible for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, highlighted the significance of this update: «Terrorists and dangerous criminals do not stop at our borders, nor does the information needed to stop them. With this update to the Schengen Information System, the EU closes a significant gap in information sharing and fulfills our Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU.»
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner responsible for Home Affairs and Migration, added: «Europe's security is only as strong as the information underpinning it. Alerts on suspects of terrorism and organized crime, now shared by our international partners, mean that border guards and police officers, from our external borders to the streets of our cities, can act against a threat before it causes harm. This is another reason to further intensify our security partnerships.»
Member States will now be able to enter reliable information received from external partners into the SIS, with the support of Europol. This includes data on foreign terrorist fighters, suspects in serious crime investigations, and individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Based on this information, Member States can issue a specific alert.
This update aims to assist border guards and police officers across the EU in detecting more criminals and terrorists, fostering more effective cooperation among law enforcement authorities.
Member States retain the option to use other categories of alerts already available in the SIS, such as those related to arrest warrants or refusals of entry or stay.
