The European Commission is considering restrictions on Russian tourist visas. With this, Brussels aims to further limit the influx of visitors. Previously, several million Russians visited EU countries. Last year, that number fell to just half a million, mostly wealthy Russians. A full entry ban is still under discussion, but there is division among EU countries between supporters and opponents.
Additionally, limiting the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area is under consideration. Especially EU countries on the eastern border are pushing for restrictions out of fear of sabotage and espionage. Supporters see this as a way to prevent abuse of diplomatic privileges, while skeptical states warn of possible retaliations from Moscow.
The nineteenth sanctions package is also focused on the energy trade. The European Commission wants to expand existing restrictions on Russian oil exports. External players are also mentioned: independent refineries in countries such as China and India could be added to the sanctions list if they are involved in reselling Russian oil, thereby undermining the sanctions.
Another important part involves the frozen Russian assets. The European Parliament has called for removing restrictions around the confiscation of Russian bank assets so that this money can be used for reconstruction and military support to Ukraine. The Commission is exploring legal frameworks to deploy these funds without violating existing international banking rules.
Moscow has meanwhile reacted sharply. The Kremlin warned that any attempt to transfer Russian state or private assets to Ukraine will be seen as a hostile act. Russian authorities threaten countermeasures against countries involved. Moscow also emphasizes that European citizens and companies could be affected by retaliatory actions.
The pressure on Russia is increasing not only economically but also militarily, as Russian drones recently entered the airspace of Poland and Romania. In Poland, some drones were shot down by NATO fighters, while in Romania, the drones were not intercepted. These incidents heighten concerns about a possible wider military escalation.
Several NATO countries advocate for a no-fly zone against Russian drones. Such a measure could apply not only at the Polish border but also over Ukraine. A formal request from Kyiv is necessary for a decision on this. Russia has warned it would regard NATO actions against Russian drones in Ukrainian airspace as direct attacks.
At the same time, EU institutions are following with great concern the military exercises Russia is conducting near the Polish border. These large-scale maneuvers are seen as a potential provocation toward NATO.