EU plans tighter visa rules for Russian tourists
The European Commission is preparing proposals to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens travelling to the European Union, with plans expected to be presented in January 2027, according to officials cited by POLITICO.
The move follows growing pressure from Poland, Sweden, Estonia and other European countries to adopt stricter restrictions, citing concerns over sabotage, arson and other suspected hybrid threats linked to Moscow.
Russian citizens received about 478,000 Schengen tourist visas last year, many of them multiple-entry permits allowing repeated travel without the need to reapply for each visit.
Sweden calls for faster action
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said the current system exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hostile actors.
He welcomed what he described as growing support for tighter visa rules but called for the Commission to act sooner if possible.
European officials are also expected to discuss additional restrictions on Russian diplomats at a Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
Estonia seeks entry ban for former Russian soldiers
Estonia has proposed barring former Russian military personnel from entering the EU, with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna estimating that around 650,000 former combatants could be affected.
Tsahkna warned that some former soldiers could enter Europe with support from Russian intelligence services and pose security risks. He called for a coordinated EU-wide approach to address the issue.
The proposal would involve assessing individuals rather than imposing restrictions without individual consideration, according to the report.
Commission urges member states to issue fewer visas
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the decline in visas issued to Russian citizens had stalled, urging member states to reduce the number of permits granted.
Brunner said the Commission's planned initiative for early 2027 would complement efforts by national governments to tighten existing rules.
In June, ministers from nine EU countries, Iceland and Norway urged the Commission to establish a more uniform and coordinated policy on Russian visas across the Schengen area.
They argued that differences between national approaches could weaken collective security measures and undermine pressure on Russia following its war against Ukraine.
The planned proposals are part of broader European efforts to strengthen security controls while addressing concerns over the movement of individuals considered potential security risks.
Source:turkiyetoday
