EU: Rebooted Schengen Information System rules adopted by Council
19 November 2018
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EU
Rebooted Schengen Information System rules adopted by Council
19.11.18
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The Council of the EU has adopted three new regulations that will extend the scale and scope of the Schengen Information System II (SIS II). The rules cover the use of the system for police and judicial cooperation; border checks; and "for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals".
Under the rules, new types of data will be included in the system - namely, facial images and DNA profiles.
New types of alert will be also be introduced - "inquiry checks", designed to allow officials to interview individuals who generate a 'hit' in the database; alerts on unknown suspects or wanted persons (for which fingerprints or palm prints found at crime scenes will be entered in the database); alerts on children at risk of parental abduction or who need to be preventing from travelling for their own protection; and alerts for the purpose of return.
It will also now be compulsory for the national authorities to introduce entry bans on non-EU nationals in the database.
Europol and Frontex will also have access to the database in certain circumstances.
Documentation (pdfs)
Council press release: Schengen Information System: Council adopts new rules to strengthen security in the EU(pdf):
"The Schengen Information System is being reinforced through updated rules which will address potential gaps in the system and introduce several essential changes on the types of alert entered. This will contribute to strengthening the fight against terrorism and serious crime, ensuring a high level of security across the EU, and help migration management."
Further reading
Revamping the Schengen Information System: trilogue documents on police cooperation, border checks and returns (24 April 2018)
Council's internal security committee discusses use of "discreet checks" in the Schengen Information System (28 February 2018)
New EASO Regulation & SIS:Returns, biometrics and "inquiry checks" (30 May 2017)
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