(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, Nov 7 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Friday stricter visa rules for Russian nationals, citing what it described as increased security risks linked to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, as well as growing incidents of sabotage and drone disruptions on European soil.
In a statement, the Commission said the European Union (EU) will no longer issue multi-entry visas to Russian citizens, stressing that travel to the EU is "a privilege, not a given," and that any visa application from now on will be subject to enhanced verification and reinforced security checks.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said according to the statement that "Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine has created the most dangerous security environment in Europe for decades".
"We now face unprecedented drone disruptions and sabotage on our soil. We have a duty to protect our citizens." She added.
"Travelling to and freely moving within the EU is a privilege not a given."
For his part, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said that protecting the EU's external borders requires "robust and comprehensive visa management," noting that visa applications from Russian nationals will be reviewed with increased scrutiny to reinforce the security of the Schengen area.
The Commission explained that the new rules aim to mitigate threats to public order and internal security within the EU while allowing limited exceptions for justified cases, such as independent journalists and human rights defenders, in order to ensure uniform application and prevent circumvention.
The decision is based on a joint assessment among EU Member States and follows previous measures including the suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement, guidance to de-prioritize visa issuance for Russian nationals, and strengthened border controls.
The EU also imposed new restrictions last month on the movement of Russian diplomats within the 27 member states as part of the 19th sanctions package. (end)
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