World · Europe · 19 hrs ago
EU plans tighter visa rules for Russian visitors over security concerns
The European Commission is preparing proposals to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens visiting EU countries.
Officials say the plan could be presented in January, after several countries called for stricter and more coordinated rules.
The concern is that people entering as tourists, including former Russian combatants, could be used in sabotage or other attacks.
About 478,000 Schengen tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens last year, and many allowed multiple trips.
Estonia has proposed barring former Russian soldiers from entering the EU, while Sweden and other countries want a tougher shared approach.
EU ministers are also expected to discuss restrictions on Russian diplomats.
The proposals are still being prepared, and EU member states currently issue the visas.
The European Commission is preparing proposals to tighten visa rules for Russian visitors, with plans expected to be put forward in the new year.
The move is intended to strengthen EU defenses against hybrid attacks and other security threats.
EU officials say hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens visit EU countries as tourists each year.
Last year, Russian citizens received about 478,000 Schengen tourist visas, many of them allowing multiple entries.
Poland, Sweden and Estonia are among the countries pushing for tougher rules.
- Who
- The European Commission is preparing the proposals, after several EU countries pushed for tighter rules.
- What
- The EU plans to tighten visa rules for Russian visitors. Estonia has proposed barring former Russian service members from entering the EU.
- When
- The Commission proposal is expected in the new year; Sweden’s justice minister said he understood it should be launched in January.
- Where
- The proposed rules concern travel to EU countries and the Schengen area.
- Why
- EU officials say tighter rules would help counter security risks, including possible hybrid attacks and sabotage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It’s obvious I think for everyone that we have vulnerabilities in our system that can be used by our enemies
I think a large number of these ex-combatants will come, supported by the Russian secret services, to Europe
You never know who these tourists actually are
A restrictive visa policy towards Russian citizens is essential to safeguard the security and integrity of the Schengen area
Ministers from nine EU countries, Iceland and Norway wrote to the Commission calling for a more coordinated approach to Russian visas.
Russian citizens received about 478,000 Schengen tourist visas.
Some countries plan to raise Russian visas and propose further restrictions on Russian diplomats in the EU.
Sweden’s justice minister said he understood the Commission proposal should be launched.
- Russian Schengen tourist visas last year
- About 478,000
- Countries pushing for tougher rules
- Poland, Sweden and Estonia
- Former Russian combatants
- Around 650,000, according to Estonia’s foreign minister
- Expected timing of Commission proposal
- The new year; Sweden’s justice minister said January
- Letter to the Commission
- Ministers from nine EU countries, Iceland and Norway
Sources
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