The European Commission is finalizing plans to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russian nationals, according to reporting cited by multiple outlets. The proposals include restrictions aimed at reducing entry for certain categories, including former combatants, as part of efforts to counter what officials describe as Moscow’s hybrid warfare activities.
Outlets say the initiative is being pushed by several member states ahead of a key Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Oct. 12. The changes are framed in the context of recent visa issuance: one account notes that nearly 480,000 Schengen visas were granted to Russians last year, even while member states continue to debate related issues such as limits on diplomats and how visa measures interact with broader sanctions approaches. Another outlet reports the Commission expects to put forward the visa restrictions in January, as described by Politico, indicating timelines may be discussed across different stages of the proposal process.
