The EU may tighten visa restrictions on Russian tourists due to the threat of terrorist attacks

The European Union is discussing a travel ban on former Russian combatants and tighter visa restrictions for Russian tourists. During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, on 2 September, the initiative received broad support. This was stated by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. “There was broad support for introducing an entry ban into the EU for former Russian combatants and tightening visa restrictions for Russian tourists,” said Kallas. The debate intensified following reports that one of the Russians suspected of attempting to blow up a Ukrainian passenger aircraft at Leipzig Airport may have entered the EU on a tourist visa issued by Italy. Kallas emphasised that the case illustrates how tourist visas can be used by people planning acts of sabotage to infiltrate the EU. “It is unacceptable that a country is bombing Ukraine, killing more civilians in July and August than at any other time during this war, — and at the same time, Russians are entering and enjoying the hospitality of European countries,” Kallas noted. She added that the security of the European Union is also under threat. “In fact, such tourist visas are being used for acts of sabotage, as these people need to get into the European Union,” stated the EU’s top diplomat. For his part, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that the authorities would investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of a visa to one of the suspects in the Leipzig attack case. “An investigation will be carried out,” said Tajani. He called on European countries to remain vigilant, as states seeking to harm the EU may utilise individuals with no criminal records or prior suspicions against them. Consequently, the EU is considering tightening its visa policy towards Russian citizens not only as a sanction but also as a security measure and a means of preventing acts of sabotage.