The European Union has voted in favor of tougher rules that will allow it to more easily suspend visa-free access for nationals of non-EU countries. The decision reflects growing concern over security risks, migration pressures, and human rights violations linked to certain nations.
Under the reform, the European Commission will be able to temporarily or permanently reinstate visa requirements for countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry into the Schengen zone. The policy applies to 61 countries.
Previously, suspending visa-free travel required lengthy investigations and strict thresholds. The new framework streamlines that process and gives the EU broader discretion to respond to specific threats or policy violations.
The updated mechanism also sets measurable benchmarks: a 30% increase in non-permitted stays or serious criminal activity, and a 20% or lower asylum recognition rate, can now justify a review of a country’s visa-free status. However, the Commission will retain flexibility to act even outside these thresholds when necessary.
The revised law also introduces several new reasons for suspension. These include hybrid threats such as the deliberate use of migration for political pressure, security concerns arising from investor citizenship or “golden passport” schemes, and failure to align with EU visa policies. In addition, violations of international law, the UN Charter, or rulings by global courts could now prompt a suspension review.
A major addition to the reform is the EU’s power to target specific government officials responsible for human rights abuses or policy violations, rather than applying a blanket suspension to an entire population. This approach is intended to hold leaders accountable without punishing ordinary citizens.
According to Matjaž Nemec, the Slovenian lawmaker who led the reform, the updated system gives the EU a stronger diplomatic tool to protect its values. He described the visa policies as both a practical and strategic instrument that reflects Europe’s commitment to upholding international law and human rights.