EU Set to Tighten Visa-Free Travel Regulations Affecting 61 Nations
EU Set to Strengthen Visa-Free Travel Suspension Mechanism
Key Changes Coming
1. Stricter Suspension Rules: The EU will expand grounds for revoking visa-free privileges, making it easier to reinstate visa requirements for 61 countries.
2. Impact on Candidate Countries: Nations like Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova could be affected.
3. Security & Migration Focus: The move aims to counter irregular migration, hybrid threats, and geopolitical risks.
Why the Change?
The EU is tightening rules due to:
✔ Irregular Migration – Despite a 31% drop in illegal border crossings (Q1 2025), it remains a priority.
✔ Hybrid Threats – Concerns over state-sponsored migration (e.g., Belarus & Russia funneling migrants to EU borders).
✔ Golden Passport Crackdown – Countries with Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) schemes may lose visa-free access.
✔ Human Rights & Rule of Law – Violations could trigger suspension.
Who Could Be Affected?
- EU Candidate Countries: Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia
- Golden Passport Nations: If they sell citizenship without strict checks
- Third Countries with diplomatic tensions or security risks
How Will It Work?
- Suspension decisions will require a qualified majority vote among EU states.
- Grounds for suspension now include:
- Security threats (e.g., weaponized migration)
- Uncontrolled irregular migration
- Failure to cooperate on readmissions
- Human rights violations
Latest Migration Trends
???? Frontex reports a 31% decline in illegal border crossings (Jan-Mar 2025):
- Western Balkan route: Down 64%
- Eastern Land Border: Down 8%
What’s Next?
The draft legislation is pending final approval, but the EU is signaling a tougher stance on visa-free access to safeguard security while maintaining travel freedom for trusted partners.