25/07/2023 (Agence Europe) – Cyprus joined the Schengen Information System (SIS), “the largest information-sharing system for security and border management in Europe”, on Tuesday 25 July, the Commission announced in a press release. “Cyprus’ connection to the SIS enables law enforcement authorities to receive and exchange information in real time with all SIS participants on wanted or missing persons, third-country nationals with no legal right of residence in the EU and lost or stolen property”. The SIS was enhanced last March (see EUROPE 13136/7) with new categories of alerts, biometric elements such as palm prints, fingerprints and DNA records of missing persons and alerts on returns. It is operational in 27 Member States and four Schengen associated states. (SP)