European security has come under threat due to Russians receiving Schengen visas. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the growing tensions between Moscow and the West, the issue of monitoring the movement of Russian citizens has become increasingly pressing, reports The Guardian.
EU migration chief Ylva Johansson expressed concern that in 2023, Schengen member states issued nearly 450,000 visas to Russian citizens. Despite a decline in visa applications following the imposition of sanctions and the suspension of the visa facilitation agreement, this figure remains alarming.
In recent years, European countries have reported a rise in Russian agent activities. From assassination attempts targeting the head of a German defense company to sabotage, espionage, arson, and explosive device deliveries, Russian operations have raised serious concerns among European intelligence agencies. Such actions can be carried out under the guise of tourism or business travel.
Speaking to MEPs in September, Johansson stated that EU member states face the Russian threat on a daily basis: “This is not the time to be soft on security, potentially undermining the security of the entire Schengen area,” she told the parliament.
Johansson emphasized that EU security depends on coordination among member states and stricter approaches to visa policies. “This is no time for compromise, as the risks are evident,” she added.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the number of visas issued dropped by 89% compared to 2019. However, this has proven insufficient to fully protect the EU. The position of some member states in maintaining visa leniency for economic benefits tied to tourism creates a conflict of interest. Leading countries in visa issuance include Italy, France, Spain, and Greece, which processed over 80% of applications, primarily due to their developed tourism industries.
Meanwhile, countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Estonia have tightened restrictions on visa issuance, though their efforts risk being undermined by others.
In September, EU Commissioner Stella Kyriakides stated that the European Union intends to strengthen control over visa issuance to Russians, emphasizing that Russia’s actions pose a threat to the union’s security.
Russians traveling within the Schengen area remain a potential threat to Europe’s security. The conditions of war, increased Russian intelligence activities, and vulnerabilities in visa policies create significant challenges for the EU. To prevent further risks, a unified and decisive strategy is necessary to restrict access to the Schengen area for individuals who may pose a threat. European countries must recognize that the priority should not be economic gain but the safety of their citizens.
