The European Union is preparing to implement stricter visa regulations for non-member states as part of its evolving visa strategy, with potential measures set to be finalized by late 2025. Reports from the Euractiv portal on October 10 indicated that the policy shift could involve varying visa requirements based on a country’s cooperation with the bloc on migration issues. The European Commission would gain authority to suspend or block visa issuance for nationals of states deemed to have “seriously worsened” relations with the EU.
The proposed changes include long-term multiple-entry Schengen visas for “verified travelers,” potentially valid for up to a decade, alongside streamlined mechanisms to revoke or pause visa-free access. This overhaul aims to transform visa policy into a tool for geopolitical and economic influence, according to the report.
Meanwhile, discussions about restricting Russian citizens’ travel to the EU have intensified. Some member states, including Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain, and France, have expressed reluctance to impose a complete ban on Russian tourists, citing reliance on their seasonal tourism revenue. Conversely, Germany has already tightened visa procedures for Russians under the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions, requiring stricter scrutiny for applicants without compelling travel reasons.
