The European Commission adopted the EU’s first unified Visa Strategy at Thursday’s College meeting, elevating visa policy to a core tool for security, migration management and the Union’s geopolitical influence.
The new strategy aims to make EU visa policy more strategic and effective amid rising mobility, regional instability and growing geopolitical competition. A Commission official described visa policy as “one of the EU’s most powerful tools”.
Presenting the strategy, Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the EU’s visa regime is not only a system of privileges but also one of responsibilities for third countries. He said visa-free access must be based on objective criteria, including low visa refusal rates and effective cooperation on returns and readmissions.
Security
Brunner said the EU will strengthen its negotiating leverage with countries whose nationals require visas, by better linking visa conditions to the Union’s interests. He also announced stronger cooperation mechanisms on readmissions, allowing the EU to act more swiftly where partners fail to take back their nationals who have no right to stay.
Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said that a modern, reliable and effective visa system enhances security and trust with partners, while also helping to attract highly skilled professionals.
A key element of the strategy is the proposal to impose targeted visa measures in cases of insufficient cooperation on migrant returns and readmissions. This will involve stricter assessment and monitoring of visa-free regimes, as well as a stronger suspension mechanism in cases of abuse.
The Commission also proposes revising the Visa Code in 2026, enabling the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures - including suspensions or limitations on visa issuance - on countries that fail to cooperate on returns or take actions that undermine the Union’s security.
Attracting talent
According to Brunner, third countries must be subject to clear criteria for visa approvals and refusals, with visa-free regimes closely monitored to ensure continued compliance and prevent abuse. He said stronger anti-abuse tools would also allow the EU to respond to sudden pressures, citing Russia and Belarus as examples. “The case of Russia shows why this matters. We need the tools to act in a united way at European level,” he said.
At the same time, the strategy seeks to strengthen the EU’s economic competitiveness by facilitating legal mobility. Measures include simpler and faster procedures for tourists and business travellers, multi-year multiple-entry visas for “trusted” visitors, and specific facilitations for business travellers invited by certified EU companies.
Particular emphasis is placed on attracting talent. The Commission is considering changes to rules for students, researchers and highly skilled workers, as well as the creation of a targeted EU framework for start-up founders and innovative entrepreneurs. A recommendation was also adopted urging member states to simplify and accelerate procedures for long-stay visas and residence permits.
Irregular migration
Digitalisation is a central pillar of the new policy. The ETIAS system is expected to become operational from 2026, while by 2028 all EU border and visa information systems are set to be fully interoperable, allowing faster checks and reducing abuse.
The Commission stressed that the visa strategy is intended not only to curb irregular migration but also to strengthen the EU’s international standing, linking access to the Union with cooperation, security and strategic interests.