EU countries will be able to continue issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to certain categories of Russians

The European Union (EU) countries will be able to continue issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to family members of Russian citizens residing in the EU. This became known on November 7 on November 7 from a document published on the website of the European Commission (EC).

According to the decision of the European Commission, the EU will be able to continue issuing multiple-entry visas to relatives and spouses of Russians living in EU member states, as well as to sailors, truck and bus drivers, and members of train crews. It clarifies that the issuance of a visa is possible "provided that they prove their integrity and reliability."

EC representative Markus Lammert said at a briefing that the new strict rules for issuing multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens are associated with allegedly increased security risks for the EU. His speech was published on the website of the EC Audiovisual Service.

"In exceptional justified cases, EU member states can also issue multiple-entry visas to individuals whose reliability and integrity are beyond doubt," Lammert said.

This category of citizens includes dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, and representatives of civil society organizations.

The window was closed: The European Commission banned issuing multiple-entry visas to Russians

The EU authorities have linked this measure to improving the security of the Schengen area.

Earlier, on November 4, the EC report on Serbia noted that Russians obtaining Serbian citizenship and the subsequent visa-free regime creates risks for the EU. The report also stated that Serbia "should implement" stricter security checks.

Politico reported on November 5 on the EU's plans to tighten the conditions for issuing Schengen multivisa visas to Russians this week. It was noted that Russians will now receive single-entry visas in most cases. An exception may be if a person has EU citizenship or humanitarian considerations.

Lammert said on November 6 that the EC was concerned about Hungary's continued practice of issuing national entry permits to Russians. According to him, the member states of the union are negotiating with Hungary on this issue.

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