EU Mulls Stricter Visa Rules and Diplomatic Limits for Russian Citizens
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is preparing tougher visa bans and tighter movement controls for Russians, including former combatants and diplomats.
Addressing the European Parliament, Kaja Kallas announced that the EU is close to completing an unprecedented sanctions package targeting Russian individuals and companies, alongside a systematic crackdown on Russia's shadow shipping fleet. She said naval inspections have forced hundreds of vessels to be stripped of their flags, reducing Russia's ability to evade sanctions. The bloc has also reduced the Russian diplomatic presence to 40 staff members and imposed new Schengen movement requirements.
Member states are following suit, with Hungary expelling ten Russian diplomats as a recent example. Kallas indicated that additional measures are under consideration, such as a full entry ban for Russian military personnel and veterans, and a review of tourist visa issuance. The overarching goal is to limit the number of people who could potentially carry out attacks on European soil.
Why it matters
Tighter EU visa and diplomatic restrictions aim to curb Russian influence and reduce security threats across Europe.
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