All EU and Schengen Member States Launch Renewed Schengen Information System Except Cyprus

The Schengen Information System of the European Union, which enables border controls and law enforcement cooperation inside and between Member States, went operational today in an enhanced version across the entire block.

Since the Brexit began in 2016 and was completed in 2020, the UK government has been looking into methods to enhance its borders and security, and one of the ways it intends to do so is through the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The ETA was introduced as part of the Nationality and Borders Bill for passengers visiting the United Kingdom as well as those transiting through the nation who do not currently require a visa for short stays. The ETA will also be required for those who do not already have an immigration status before travelling.

“The scheme will give the UK more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the UK, whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the UK,” the UK Home Office notes in a policy paper regarding the ETA.

The enhanced SIS will feature new alert categories, biometrics such as complete palm prints, fingermarks, and DNA information for those reported missing, as well as new capabilities to combat crime and terrorism.

According to an EU Commission press release announcing the relaunch of the renewed SIS, SIS, along with two other upcoming systems, the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will be part of the interoperability architecture that will form the foundation of the world's most advanced border management system, which is being built by the EU.

“As of today, the renewed SIS is operational in 30 countries throughout Europe (26 EU Member States and the Schengen associated countries). The connection of Cyprus to SIS in summer 2023 will further extend security cooperation throughout the entire Union,” the press release noted.

The improved SIS will provide extra tools for the following:

• Combating crime and terrorism with new enquiry check alerts that will allow national authorities to gather targeted information on suspects.

• Protection of missing and vulnerable people with preventive notifications in addition to existing missing person alerts.

• Preventing and discouraging irregular migration by incorporating return decisions into the system to increase the effective enforcement of these judgements.

Furthermore, EU agencies and national immigration authorities will have greater access to the SIS, including the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), whose operational teams will also have access to the SIS.

“The renewed SIS will bring increased security for all citizens, strengthened protection for vulnerable people and enhanced cooperation between national authorities,” the Commission says.

Notwithstanding the increased availability of tools and access to SIS, the EU Commission emphasises the rigorous constraints that SIS use imposes on data quality and data protection.

The SIS was established nearly 30 years ago, in 1995, in response to the dismantling of internal border restrictions between Schengen member nations at the time. The system was renewed in 2016, after EU authorities judged that there were potential to improve its efficacy and efficiency.

Except for Cyprus, all EU and Schengen countries have access to SIS. The Cypriot authorities requested access to SIS in December of last year, arguing that access to SIS would allow border authorities to conduct more effective border controls. According to the Commission, they will get access to the system in the summer of this year, albeit no specific date has been set.

By fLEXI tEAM