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European Union considers new visa restrictions for Russian citizens
The European Union is deliberating new restrictions on Russian citizens to mitigate security risks and hybrid attacks within the Schengen Area. Discussions include reducing the number of tourist visas issued, imposing new restrictions on diplomats, and banning entry for participants in the war against Ukraine.
One proposed measure is the introduction of visas with limited territorial validity (LTV), which would restrict holders to the issuing country rather than granting access to the entire Schengen zone. This initiative, supported by countries like Poland, Sweden, and Estonia, aims to prevent individuals from exploiting free movement for subversive activities. Such a move follows incidents like a drone-related security breach in Germany involving a Russian-Belarusian national on an Italian tourist visa.
While Finland has already ceased issuing visas for non-urgent travel to Russians, other member states remain divided. Implementing significant changes to the EU Visa Code would require a qualified majority of 55 percent of member states representing 65 percent of the EU population. The EU Council aims to present a formal legislative project regarding these visa limitations by early 2027.
Entities
Elina Valtonen · European Union · Friedrich Merz · Kaja Kallas · Roberta Metsola · Russia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that restrictions are necessary to lower security risks within EU borders due to hybrid offensives. novini247.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The EU Council plans to present a legislative proposal for limited territorial validity (LTV) visas by early 2027. www.notizie.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen called for an end to tourist visas for Russians across the EU until the war in Ukraine ends. novini247.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A suspect in a drone attack at Leipzig airport was found to have dual Russian and Belarusian citizenship and entered the EU on an Italian tourist visa. www.arbresh.info · www.notizie.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] The EU is considering measures to restrict non-essential travel for Russian citizens to mitigate hybrid threats. www.arbresh.info · novini247.com · www.notizie.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Changes to the EU Visa Code to implement these restrictions would require a qualified majority of 55 percent of member states representing 65 percent of the population. www.arbresh.info