Media: European Commission to present proposal on visa restrictions for Russians in January

The European Commission is finalizing plans to tighten visa rules for hundreds of thousands of Russians who visit EU countries as tourists each year, with the aim of strengthening the bloc’s protection against hybrid attacks, according to Eurointegration.

EU officials told Politico, writes "European Pravda".

According to EU representatives, the European Commission plans to put forward relevant proposals in the new year after a group of countries – notably Poland, Sweden and Estonia – insisted on introducing stricter visa rules for Russians, including former militants who fought against Ukraine.

Last year, Russian citizens were issued about 478,000 tourist visas for the Schengen area, a significant portion of which were multiple-entry.

This system poses a security threat to Europe amid growing concerns about Moscow-sponsored acts of sabotage, arson and other forms of hybrid warfare, believes Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer.

"I think it is obvious to everyone that there are vulnerabilities in our system that our enemies can exploit. As far as I understand, the European Commission is preparing a proposal which, according to my information, is to be published in January next year. From Sweden's perspective, we would like it to happen even earlier", – Strömmer said in an interview with Politico.

Strömmer welcomed the "progress" and "growing support" on the issue of introducing a stricter visa regime for Russians.

Other countries plan to raise this issue at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, October 12, as well as propose additional restrictions on Russian diplomats in the EU.

Estonia proposed a complete ban on entry to the EU for former servicemen of the Russian armed forces. According to the country’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, there are about 650,000 such former combatants, and they will be denied entry "on an individual basis".

However, according to him, a tougher approach at the EU-wide level is vital for the security of the bloc.

"I believe that a significant number of these former militants, with the support of Russian special services, will arrive in Europe. They will take control of our organized crime, will be well-armed and will be supported by Russia to commit terrorist attacks or assaults on our society. Therefore, this is very serious", – the Estonian minister emphasized.

After an initial decline in the number of Russian citizens receiving visas to travel to the EU, the "figures are no longer decreasing", noted EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner.

"We call on member states to more thoroughly carry out their work and issue fewer visas to Russian citizens", – he said.

"You never know who these tourists really are. That is why we urge member states to reduce their number", – the official said.