The European Commission has unveiled its first-ever EU Visa Strategy, setting out how visas will be used to support security, migration management and competitiveness, while accelerating digital processes and measures to attract global talent.
Adopted alongside a broader asylum and migration strategy, the visa plan reflects the Commission’s view that access to the Schengen area is a powerful policy tool. Europe issues around 10 million visas a year and receives about 40 per cent of all international travellers, according to the Commission.
More than ever, a privilege
Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner put it bluntly: “Visa-free travel to the EU is a privilege, not a given.” He said the strategy would make expectations of partner countries “crystal clear”, linking visa access more closely to cooperation on migration control, readmission and security.
At the centre of the strategy is a new “traffic light” approach to visa-free travel. Third countries will need to meet objective criteria, including low visa refusal rates and effective returns of their nationals, in order to qualify for visa-free access. Compliance will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
“If a country fails to meet its obligations, the light turns red — and visa-free travel can be suspended without hesitation,” the commissioner said.
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Combating illegal migration
For countries whose citizens require visas, the Commission plans to strengthen its leverage by tightening the link between visa conditions and cooperation on readmission and other migration-related priorities. The strategy also foresees closer connections between visa policy and cooperation on border protection, security and the fight against irregular migration.
At the same time, the Commission stressed the economic importance of travel. Tourism and business travel make significant contributions to EU economies, generating double-digit shares of GDP in some Member States and supporting tens of millions of jobs.
The future of visa-free travel
Digitalisation is a central pillar of the strategy. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will apply to visa-free travellers starting later this year, while fully digital visa procedures are planned by 2028.
The Commission also plans to explore longer multi-entry visas for frequent travellers and faster processing for trusted companies, with the aim of making travel smoother and more predictable.
Attracting talent
Talent attraction is another key focus. Brunner said global competition for skilled people has never favoured Europe as much as it does now, but only if entry systems are efficient.
“Talent goes where the process is simple and predictable,” he said, pointing to new recommendations encouraging Member States to improve access for students, researchers, skilled professionals and innovative entrepreneurs. Taken together, the strategy sets out a more explicit use of visa policy to support EU security, migration management and competitiveness, while maintaining the Union’s commitment to digitalisation and international mobility.
