France and Italy Resist EU Plan to Bar Russian Combatants While Eleven Other States Seek Tougher Visa Rules

France and Italy have expressed skepticism toward a proposed EU ban on current and former Russian combatants entering the bloc. The two countries receive the highest number of Russian visa applications among EU member states. Three diplomatic sources said Paris and Rome are wary of the measure, which was introduced as part of the 21st sanctions package over Russia's war against Ukraine.

Officials have cited security concerns, drawing parallels to the earlier EU ban on former Islamic State fighters. Earlier this month a coalition of 11 northern and eastern European countries called for tougher visa rules for Russian tourists. Arrivals from Russia have risen steadily since the war began in 2022, with France recording just under 180,000 in 2025, Italy around 160,000 and Spain 100,000.

France and Italy argue that Russian travelers are exposed to European ways of life and freedoms. They also maintain that the legal basis for any restrictions belongs in shared visa policy rather than a sanctions package. The share of arrivals affected by the combatant ban is expected to be small because of high frontline casualties and the socioeconomic profile of most foot soldiers.

The European Commission is developing technical options to implement the measure, including revisions to the Schengen Information System to incorporate intelligence on human rights abuses and war crimes or a requirement that applicants submit proof of military service for case-by-case review. Member states aim to adopt the sanctions package before mid-July.