Politico: EU proposals to tighten Russian visa rules expected in January

The European Commission is preparing proposals to tighten visa rules for Russians, Politico reported on October 11. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer told the outlet he expected them to be presented in January 2027.

Strommer linked the initiative to European concerns about sabotage and other hybrid threats. He said the current system had vulnerabilities and Sweden wanted to see the proposals before January. That timetable concerns the presentation of an initiative, rather than a confirmed date for new rules to take effect.

Estonia proposes restricting entry by former Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna estimated the potentially affected group at about 650,000 people. The report said restrictions would be imposed individually.

Other countries intend to discuss the issue at Monday's EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting and raise further restrictions on Russian diplomats. The report describes proposals under discussion. It does not mean that an EU-wide ban on entry by Russians has already been adopted.