Brussels: The European Commission clarified on Thursday that there are no current plans to ban multi-entry Schengen visas for Russian citizens, while it continues to explore additional measures in collaboration with member states.

According to Anadolu Agency, Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert addressed reports suggesting that the EU intends to halt multi-entry visas for Russians. He emphasized at a Brussels press briefing that the EU does not comment on leaks and highlighted measures already implemented since the onset of the conflict.

Lammert referenced the 2022 suspension of the EU's visa facilitation agreement with Russia and the issuance of guidelines urging member states to deprioritize Russian visa applications and enhance security and border checks. These actions have led to a sharp decline in Schengen visas issued to Russian nationals, plummeting from over 4 million in 2019 to 500,000 in 2023.

He clarified that discussions about multi-entry visa schemes have not been part of any decisions or guidelines adopted to date. However, he confirmed that the Commission is considering additional measures in close coordination with member states.

This statement follows a report by Politico on Wednesday, indicating that the EU is preparing to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens by limiting the issuance of multi-entry Schengen permits in most situations as part of new measures against the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Additionally, the EU's 19th sanctions package introduces new restrictions on Russian diplomats, requiring them to notify member states before traveling within the Schengen Area to address concerns over hostile intelligence activities.

The Commission is also set to unveil a new bloc-wide visa strategy next month, which will encourage member countries to use visa policies against hostile states and apply stricter criteria to nationals from Russia and other nations considered security risks.