EU Concerned Over Hybrid Attacks, Plans Tighter Visa Rules for Russian Citizens

According to EU officials cited by Politico, the European Commission is drafting a proposal to tighten visa regulations for Russian nationals amid concerns over sabotage activities and hybrid threats. The proposed measures are expected to be unveiled early next year. Poland, Sweden, Estonia, and other member states have called for stricter restrictions, including a ban on visas for individuals involved in combat operations against Ukraine.

Last year, approximately 478,000 Schengen tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens, many of which were multiple-entry permits allowing repeated entry into the EU without reapplying documentation. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömbäck said the current visa system poses security risks given fears of Russia orchestrating hybrid actions such as sabotage and arson. He noted vulnerabilities within the EU’s visa framework that could be exploited by adversaries. Strömbäck expressed support for tightening visa policies and urged the European Commission to present a concrete plan before 2027.

Estonia has proposed a blanket ban on entry for Russian veterans who participated in hostilities in Ukraine. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna estimated the number of such individuals at around 650,000. He argued that the EU needs a unified security approach, warning that these former soldiers might enter Europe under the direction of Russian intelligence services to plan attacks.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner also called on member states to reduce the number of visas granted to Russian nationals. He observed that after an initial decline, visa issuance numbers have plateaued, making it difficult to assess the true intent behind travel entries based solely on tourist status.

In June, nine EU countries plus Iceland and Norway jointly urged the European Commission to establish a harmonized framework for issuing visas to Russian citizens. They argued that fragmented national policies undermine the effectiveness of pressure on Russia.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo revealed that Finland plans to propose suspending tourist visas for Russian citizens during the EU leaders’ summit on October 15–16. Discussions within the EU earlier this month also touched on revising legislation to allow nationality-based restrictions on visa issuance.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1878772238089418/

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