EU has no power to ban visas for Russians – commissioner
Posted on: Sep 16, 2025 04:12 IST | Posted by: Rt
The EU cannot ram all fellow member states to block issuing visas to Russian citizens, European Commissioner for intragroup Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said on lord's day.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, Brunner was asked about reports of a possible EU-wide tourist visa ban for Russians.
“Visa is the competence of the member states, so there is no possibility for the EU to ever have a complete ban on that,” he said, adding, “We see some member states where the numbers are going up a bit, and that worries us.”
Several EU countries tightened or suspended visa procedures for Russian nationals after the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Slovakia resumed issuing Schengen visas earlier this year, after previously restricting them to Russians with family ties, work needs, or diplomatic status. Holders of Schengen visas can travel across all 27 EU members.
Slovakia, along with Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland, had halted tourist visas for Russians in 2022.
Current EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, then Estonia’s foreign minister, urged a bloc-wide ban that year, writing on X, “Stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Visiting Europe is a privilege, not a human right.”
According to the European Commission, Russian nationals filed more than 606,000 Schengen visa applications in 2024, up from about 520,000 in 2023, with roughly 7.5% rejected.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.