The sharing of information between member states is a basic element in ensuring the safety and security of citizens across the European Union, Labour MEP Miriam Dalli said. 

Miriam Dalli is rapporteur for the Socialists and Democrats.

“Building resilience against terrorist threats can help us fulfil our responsibility to keep our citizens safe and secure. A revamped Schengen Information System (SIS) is an essential tool for this,” Dr Dalli said.

As rapporteur for the Socialists and Democrats, Miriam Dalli welcomed the informal agreement reached between the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council and the European Parliament on three regulations on the use of SIS for judicial matters, for border control and for matters of returns of third country nationals.

The draft regulations introduce additional categories of alerts, including alerts on unknown suspects or wanted persons.

Dr Dalli highlighted how the tools can be used in preventing and combating child abductions or cases of missing children as well.

“For me it was also important not only to address the fight against human trafficking and child abduction, but also to ensure that their fundamental rights with regards to their personal data are protected,” Dr Dalli said.

The draft regulations introduce preventive alerts for children at risk of parental abductions, as well as children and vulnerable persons who are to be prevented from travelling for their own protection.