EU to reinforce Schengen information system

BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) said in a statement Tuesday that it will strengthen the Schengen information system for stronger security and border management.

A political agreement was reached by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on Tuesday on the proposal to reinforce this information sharing system in 30 countries throughout Europe.

The new system will help national authorities better control border crossings and support them in capturing dangerous criminals and terrorists, according to the statement.

The upgrades include new alerts on criminals who are wanted in connection with a crime. In addition, it will make more efficient use of fingerprints and facial images to identify persons entering the Schengen area.

EU security commissioner Julian King said: "It is the centerpiece of information exchange in Europe and the main law enforcement database in the EU, and has contributed to almost 40,000 arrests and 200,000 serious criminals being tracked down. We have been making the Schengen information system stronger and smarter."