EU finalizes plans for tighter visa restrictions on Russians — Politico

The European Union is set to introduce stricter visa rules for Russian citizens, according to Politico. The European Commission aims to tighten regulations by presenting a legislative package in January, following pressure from member states like Sweden, Poland, and Estonia. The proposed measures include restricting Schengen visas for Russian nationals and imposing targeted entry bans on former Russian military personnel, as well as those who served in the Russian armed forces during the conflict in Ukraine.

In 2022, approximately 478,000 Schengen tourist visas were granted to Russian citizens, many of which were multiple-entry permits allowing unrestricted travel within the 29-nation border-free zone. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömrömmer expressed concerns over the current vulnerability of EU borders to foreign infiltration, stating that the Commission is preparing a proposal to address these security vulnerabilities.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna echoed similar concerns, warning that former Russian military personnel could exploit the Schengen area for terrorist activities. European Commissioner Magnus Brunner noted that while initial Russian visa applications decreased after the February 2022 invasion, travel volumes have since plateaued.

The EU's decision to tighten visa rules comes amid ongoing debates over economic sanctions and diplomatic countermeasures against Russia. In late September, EU member states agreed to extend sanctions against over 3,000 Russian individuals and entities for a period of three years. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha cautioned that easing visa restrictions could send a counterproductive message to the Kremlin amid increasing hybrid warfare against European infrastructure.