Kallas: EU May Tighten Visa Rules and Restrict Russian Diplomats in Schengen

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas addressed the European Parliament on September 15, outlining a set of additional measures the bloc could take against Russia.

Proposed Measures Against Russia

Kallas stated that EU member states have the potential for stronger action. In particular, the EU can further tighten movement controls for Russian diplomats within the Schengen area, ban visa issuance to former Russian combatants, and review the practice of granting tourist visas to Russian citizens in order to reduce their number.

She also noted that Hungary had already expelled 10 Russian diplomats and that the EU had limited the size of the Russian mission to the bloc.

Sanctions and Shadow Fleet

Kallas highlighted that EU sanctions have already deprived the Russian economy of one trillion euros. She added that the EU is finalising work on the largest-ever sanctions list and is systematically dismantling the shadow fleet of vessels that circumvent restrictions, with EU naval operations playing a leading role in inspecting suspicious ships.

The EU has been discussing restrictions on visa issuance to those who fought in Ukraine on Russia's side since the summer. A mechanism for banning visas for Russian military personnel was included in the 21st sanctions package, but the ban itself has not yet entered into force.