The EU plans new measures that could negatively affect Russian citizens – is it time already?

In Europe, whispers are once again echoing in the corridors — too loudly to ignore. Brussels is planning to cut off the air for Russians: multiple-entry visas are becoming a thing of the past. This is reported by Politico, citing people who know how decisions are made — usually without cameras and protocol.

If the document is adopted, only single-entry will remain. One time — and that’s it. Except for those who are going to save, heal, or those who have a European passport in their pocket. For the rest — a short visit and no certainty of being allowed in again.

Irritation is in the air. Europe is tired of pretending that nothing is happening while war rages in the east.

Brussels changes tone — no more discounts

This is not a formality. This is a nerve.
Visa restrictions have become a symbol: a response to missiles, to killings, to the destroyed cities of Ukraine. The EU cannot simply “ban everything” — legally impossible. But they can tighten the screws. And they are already being tightened.

The agreement on a simplified visa regime died back at the end of 2022. Back then, it looked like a diplomatic gesture. Now — like a moral boundary. The Baltics have long closed the gates. Others hesitate, but the wind blows in one direction — away from Moscow.

Numbers behind which a pause is felt

In 2024, Russians still received more than half a million visas. It sounds like a lot — until you remember that before the war, there were almost eight times more. The world has narrowed.

There are, of course, exceptions. Hungary, France, Spain, Italy — countries where consulates still smile. But overall, the flow is cooling. Europe closes its eyes — and doors.

And more often the question arises: is it not time to stop accepting those who pretend that nothing has happened?