Russia is identified in the migration strategy as the main culprit of the humanitarian crisis and a source of threats, such as the use of migrants as a tool for pressure. The European Commission emphasizes that "the threat posed by the instrumentalization of migrants by the Russian Federation and Belarus has increased amid Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine."
Belarus is mentioned alongside Russia, but its role is to support Russia's aggressive actions and to carry out hybrid attacks involving migrants. The document highlights that since 2021, the use of migration as a weapon by these countries has significantly worsened the security situation in the EU.
Despite the current circumstances, Russia and Belarus remain on the list of third countries with which the European Union has readmission agreements, legally allowing for the return of migrants to these countries.
In the new visa strategy, Russia and Belarus are not mentioned directly.
Main Directions of the New Migration Strategy
On January 29, the first-ever EU strategy on asylum and migration for the next five years was adopted, aimed at combating illegal migration and dismantling criminal networks involved in human smuggling. The strategy also aims to protect people fleeing war and persecution, with a focus on preventing abuse of the asylum system and attracting skilled labor to Europe.
In addition to the overall migration strategy, the European Commission also presented the first visa regime strategy, taking into account "regional instability and geopolitical competition." According to Brussels officials, the new strategy aims to enhance security in the EU and create a more coherent visa policy.
Changes in Visa Policy
The strategy includes the abandonment of visa stickers and full digitalization of visa processes to prevent fraud, overstays, and the use of fake identities.
Visa-free travel for third countries is now viewed not as an inherent right but as a privilege dependent on the policies of those countries and their level of security. "Visa-free travel is not a permanent right; it is a privilege that requires ongoing compliance with conditions," states the new visa strategy. The revised mechanism for suspending visa-free travel now serves as a tool to combat "abuses and security issues" in third countries.
Visa Measures as a Means of Political Control
Although Russia is not mentioned directly in the EU visa strategy, the document refers to "increasing hostility from a number of third countries," including hybrid attacks, information manipulation, and political instrumentalization of migrants. In such conditions, further issuance of visas may become "inadvisable," creating risks for the security of the EU and its foreign policy, especially concerning tourist visas and unofficial trips without significant purpose.
In the near future, the European Commission may propose a new category of targeted visa measures that would allow for mandatory decisions to suspend, restrict, or reject visa applications from hostile countries. These measures may apply to holders of diplomatic and service passports, as well as participants in conflicts with Russia. Currently, entry bans to the EU can only be imposed within the framework of sanction regimes that are adopted unanimously by all EU members.
Humanitarian Visas Remain Available
The new EU visa strategy emphasizes that the issuance of humanitarian visas is still permitted. EU countries can continue to issue short-term visas for humanitarian reasons in exceptional cases, even if the usual conditions are not met. However, EU legislation does not obligate member states to provide humanitarian visas to those wishing to apply for asylum.
Humanitarian visas are not dependent on nationality and are considered on an individual basis, based on exceptional personal circumstances, such as the situation of human rights defenders, dissidents, and journalists.
