Key facts
- France and Italy are resisting an EU proposal to ban current and former Russian combatants from entering the bloc.
- The countries cite legal and technical concerns about the practical application of the ban.
- France and Italy receive the highest number of Russian visa applications among EU member states.
- The proposed ban is part of the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
- Potential implementation methods include revising the Schengen Information System or requiring visa applicants to provide proof of military service.
France and Italy have voiced concerns over a European Union proposal to ban current and former Russian combatants from entering the bloc, citing legal and technical challenges in its practical application. These two nations process the highest volume of visa applications from Russia within the EU. The proposed ban is part of the 21st sanctions package aimed at Russia due to its ongoing war in Ukraine, with officials emphasizing security as the primary justification. This stance contrasts with a recent call from 11 northern and eastern European countries for stricter visa rules for Russian tourists. France and Italy argue that the measure's legal foundation should stem from visa policy, a shared EU-member state competence, rather than a sanctions package. The European Commission is reportedly exploring technical solutions, such as updating the Schengen Information System with intelligence on human rights abuses or requiring visa applicants to submit proof of military service for case-by-case assessments. Member states are aiming for adoption of the sanctions package before mid-July to prevent its automatic revision.