European Commission pledges to tighten visa rules for Russians after 11 Schengen Zone countries push for restrictions The European Commission will propose tighter visa rules for Russian citizens due to security risks highlighted by 11 Schengen Zone countries. These countries argue that current visa issuance is uneven, allowing Russians to obtain visas through more lenient nations and travel freely within the EU. The new measures are planned for adoption in 2027, though specific details remain undisclosed.

• The European Commission will tighten visa rules for Russian citizens.
• This decision follows a request from 11 Schengen Zone countries.
• The move is intended to address security risks arising from hostile actions by third countries.
• New measures are slated for adoption in 2027.
• Eleven Schengen countries noted uneven visa issuance across Europe.
• In 2025, EU countries issued 620,000 Schengen visas to Russian citizens, a 10.2% increase from the previous year.
• France, Spain, and Italy receive about three-quarters of Russian visa applications.