#Schengen system strengthened in fight against #terrorism

Today (21 December), the Commission will present modifications to improve the Schengen Information System (SIS). The shared database allows the EU to share information on individuals and help defend national security, border controls and law enforcement. Terrorist attacks across Europe have shown that this common threat can only be tackled through joint action.

The Commission’s proposed modifications will include information on entry bans and return decisions, the use of facial images for biometric identification and the creation of new alerts for wanted unknown persons - where law enforcement agencies might have some identifying information, such as a finger print, but no further identifying information.

The Commission say that in view of the terrorist threat faced today, the efficiency of security checks is highly dependent on the exchange of information between law enforcement authorities, including intelligence communities.

Effective and timely information sharing among relevant authorities is a prerequisite for successful counter-terrorism action. In April 2016, the Commission launched a debate on how to develop stronger and smarter information systems to address shortcomings and gaps in the architecture and interoperability of current data systems. The system can only realize its full potential if it improves its ability to identify security threats.

While responsibility for security lies primarily with EU member states, it is recognized that trans-national threats, such as terrorism, cannot be addressed effectively without a common European approach. Today's proposals will make improve the shared information available to states.

First Vice President Frans Timmermans said: "Terrorism knows no borders. National authorities are responsible for internal security. But they need to be able to cooperate seamlessly to prevent terrorism and track down the perpetrators. In order to tackle terrorism, EU states should both 'think European' and 'act European', as internal security is a shared responsibility."

The Commission states that their new proposals are in full compliance with data protection rules.

Schengen Information System (SIS)

The Schengen Information System (SIS) was identified as one of the key pillars for EU actions to create an effective and sustainable Security Union.

SIS is the most widely used information sharing instrument and the largest security database in Europe. Competent national authorities can use it to consult alerts on wanted or missing persons and objects, both inside the Union and at the external border. It contains over 64 million alerts entered by 29 European countries.

While countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom are not members of the Schengen area they take part in Schengen co-operation and make use the Schengen Information System for law enforcement purposes.

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