The European Commission has decided to introduce stricter rules for issuing visas to Russian citizens, taking into account the increased security risks associated with Russia’s war against Ukraine, the use of migration as a tool of pressure, acts of sabotage and possible abuse of the visa regime.
The agency noted that further tightening of visa restrictions is a necessary step to protect the security of the European Union and its citizens. Under the new rules, Russian citizens will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas. This means that they will have to apply for a new visa each time they travel to the EU, which will allow for more frequent and thorough checks, reducing security risks.
“Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose a serious threat to European security, with heightened risks from sabotage, disinformation and drone incursions into the EU,” said Henna Virkkunen, Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, explaining the decision.
The aim of the innovation is to reduce threats to public policy and internal security, while allowing for exceptions in exceptional and justified cases – for example, for independent journalists and human rights defenders. The decision should ensure uniform application of the rules in all EU countries and prevent attempts to circumvent them.
“Our duty is to protect our citizens. From now on, stricter rules will apply to Russian citizens applying for a visa to travel to the EU. Travel to the EU and free movement within the EU is a privilege, not a given”, said European Foreign Affairs Chief Kaia Kallas.
This initiative is based on a joint assessment of member states within the framework of local Schengen cooperation in Russia and will enter into force after its formal approval by the EU Visa Committee.
