A privilege, not a right: EU introduces strict rules for Russian citizens

The European Union is finally tightening the screws on Russian citizens. From now on, they will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas to EU countries – each trip will require a new application and verification.

This is stated in the decision adopted by the European Commission, the EC press service reports.

Brussels explained that the new restrictions were introduced due to increased security risks caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has created the most dangerous security situation in Europe in decades. We have a duty to protect our citizens. Travel to the EU is a privilege, not a given,” said Kaia Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Now every visa application from Russians will go through additional checks and controls. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stressed that the system is designed to minimize the risks of espionage, sabotage and destructive activities on EU territory.

Despite the tough innovations, the European Commission leaves a limited number of exceptions. They will apply to independent journalists, human rights defenders, and individuals who can prove the validity of their trip.

At the same time, the decision unifies the approach to issuing visas in all member states to avoid situations where Russians try to “circumvent” the bans by submitting documents to different countries.

The European Commission recalled that after the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the EU suspended the Visa Facilitation Agreement with the Russian Federation. The current decision was a logical continuation of the course of tightening visa restrictions and security controls.

EC Executive Vice-President for Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen stressed that Europe has no intention of returning to “business as usual” with an aggressor state:

“We are consistently narrowing the entry possibilities for Russian citizens. This is a necessary step to guarantee the security of the Union and its citizens.”

As a reminder, the European Union announced the preparation of new restrictions for Russian citizens planning to travel to the Schengen zone countries.

As reported, the European Union has decided to tighten rules on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area. This was in response to a series of acts of sabotage, which, according to intelligence, were carried out by Russian special services officers acting under the cover of diplomatic status.

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