The EU is considering reviewing visas and residence permits already issued to Russian citizens

Since the beginning of spring, the countries of the European Union (EU) have been discussing the idea of reviewing decisions on Schengen visas and residence permits (residence permits) already issued to Russian citizens in European countries, but so far they have not been able to agree on such measures. This was announced on June 18 by a source in diplomatic circles.

"In addition to restrictions for Russian diplomats [in Brussels], the idea of reviewing decisions on current Schengen visas and residence permits issued to Russian citizens has been discussed since March-April, but so far they have not been able to agree on this," he told TASS.

According to him, we may be talking about reviewing decisions regarding Russians who previously worked for Russian companies, supported a special military operation, or, on the contrary, did not support the political course of EU countries. At the same time, "security considerations" may become the official justification for possible measures.

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Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced on June 15 that Finland and Sweden had taken the initiative to tighten the rules for issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens. The relevant proposals have already been sent to the European Commission for consideration, the minister said. Valtonen stressed that the restrictive measures should primarily affect tourist trips during the upcoming vacation period.

On February 7, the Deputy speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Tibor Gaspar, said that the interest of Russians in obtaining Schengen visas had decreased. According to him, the resumption of accepting applications for tourist visas for Russian citizens in August 2025 was based on the Schengen legislation and was a reaction to EU decisions.At the same time, demand remains at a lower level compared to the period up to 2022.