The upgraded Schengen Information System (SIS) has become operational on 7 March 2023. The functionalities added to the SIS security platform with the new upgrade will facilitate closer international cooperation in the EU, protection of the most vulnerable, improve the management of irregular migration and help counter crime, enhance the surveillance on the external EU borders and the overall safety of persons.
Third generation SIS introduces several new elements. New categories of alerts for wanted persons and objects have been added to the system, the sharing of additional information through the national contact points – SIRENE Offices has been upgraded, while access to the new SIS has been expanded to new users. The upgrades come as a result of the implementation of the new Regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council 2018/1860, 2018/1861 and 2018/1862.
The Schengen Information System upgrade was financed by the EU Internal Security Fund. ISF funds covered 100 percent of the "National SIS II System Upgrade – Additional" project and 75 percent of the "IT Systems Development – SIS II - Additional" project.
About the Schengen Information System (SIS)
The Schengen Information System (SIS) constitutes an essential tool for the application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis as integrated into the framework of the European Union. SIS is a digital database of alerts for persons and objects and EU's largest information sharing system supporting the control of the external borders.
SIS is one of the major compensatory measures contributing to maintaining a high level of security within the area of freedom, security and justice of the Union by supporting operational cooperation between national competent authorities, in particular border guards, the police, customs authorities, immigration authorities, and authorities responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences or execution of criminal penalties.
Find out more
The Schengen Information System (leaflet)