The European Commission is preparing proposals to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens visiting EU countries, aiming to strengthen the bloc’s defences against potential hybrid attacks.

Axar.az reports, citing Politico, that the proposals are expected to be presented in January 2027 following calls from several European countries, including Poland, Sweden and Estonia, for stricter restrictions.

According to the report, EU countries issued around 478,000 Schengen tourist visas to Russian citizens last year, many of them allowing multiple entries.

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said the existing system had vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hostile actors.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has proposed banning former Russian military personnel who fought in Ukraine from entering the EU. He warned that some could be supported by Russian intelligence services and pose security risks.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner also called on member states to issue fewer visas to Russian citizens, saying work on tighter restrictions was progressing.

In June, ministers from nine EU countries, Iceland and Norway urged the European Commission to establish a more coordinated approach to Russian visa policy, arguing that differing national rules could undermine the bloc’s security measures.