EU to Discuss Tightening Visas for Russians

The Working Group of the Council of the European Union (EU) will consider visa restrictions for Russians on October 14 for non-essential travel.

Consensus

• The European Council will discuss tightening visa rules for Russian citizens.
• The discussion will focus on limiting visas to specific countries instead of the entire Schengen Area.
• The issue is being driven by security concerns, including the use of tourist visas by individuals linked to incidents in EU countries.

Points of divergence

• The working group of the European Council will consider visa restrictions for Russians on non-compulsory trips on October 14. — vedomosti
• The European Commission is finalizing plans to tighten visa rules for hundreds of thousands of Russians visiting the EU annually as tourists, with proposals expected in 2027. — vedomosti
• Countries including Poland, Sweden, and Estonia support stricter visa rules for Russians, including those involved in the special military operation. — vedomosti
• Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated on October 10 that Europe should stop issuing visas to Russian citizens. — vedomosti
• Kaja Kallas, head of the EU's diplomatic service, said on September 2 that the number of visas for Russians should be reduced due to a suspect in a drone incident at Leipzig airport entering the EU via an Italian tourist visa. — vedomosti

Coverage (3 sources)

• Head of European Parliament called for tightening visa restrictions for Russians — Коммерсантъ
• Council of the EU will discuss tightening visa regime for citizens of Russia — Коммерсантъ
• Council of the EU will discuss tightening visa regime with Russia — Ведомости

Key entities

• Russia
• EU Council
• Politico
• Austria
• European Parliament
• EC
• Schengen zone