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Huge changes to European travel on the way: Stricter controls and new visa rules approaching
The European Commission has unveiled a new five-year plan for migration, asylum, and visa policy, promising both tighter security and streamlined access for highly skilled workers. The package includes the EU’s first-ever Visa Strategy, alongside a comprehensive European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, laying out the Union’s roadmap until 2030.
A digital and strategic transformation of EU borders
The strategies aim to transform border management through full digitalisation. By 2026, the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) will provide automated pre-screening for visa-exempt travellers, while digital visas will allow applications to be completed entirely online, Portfolio writes. Interoperability across EU databases is expected by 2028, enabling authorities to screen travellers across multiple systems with a single search. The Commission also plans EU-wide measures to combat document fraud with harmonised standards and sanctions.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the Commission, emphasised that visa policy is a strategic tool for Europe, capable of enhancing both security and competitiveness. “A modern, reliable visa system strengthens trust with our partners while attracting high-skilled professionals, innovation, and investment,” she said.
Cracking down on illegal migration while attracting talent
The migration strategy stresses that “Europe decides who enters and under which conditions.” Its three core objectives are clear: reducing illegal migration and human smuggling, protecting genuine asylum seekers, and supporting legal pathways for work and study.
The plan includes assertive “migration diplomacy” using visa policy, trade, and development aid to encourage cooperation with partner countries. It also calls for more effective return systems, including the potential creation of “return hubs,” and accelerated digital procedures to prevent abuse of the asylum system.
Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, linked both strategies to the principle of sovereignty. “How the EU manages entry is a strategic decision,” he said. “Reducing illegal arrivals while supporting legal routes is essential to protect those genuinely in need and to uphold trust in our system.”
Labour, skills, and the race for global talent
A major economic focus of the plans is attracting talent to boost competitiveness. The strategies propose longer-term visas for trusted travellers, simpler corporate sponsorship, and dedicated programmes for high-skilled workers, researchers, students, and startup founders.
EU Talent Partnerships will be expanded, qualifications recognition streamlined, and mobility between member states improved. Artificial intelligence will also play a role in decision-making, risk assessment, and operational efficiency, supporting faster, more secure, and consistent processing.
The European Commission plans to back these initiatives with substantial funding, proposing at least EUR 81 billion for home affairs and international partnerships under the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. All actions are designed to respect fundamental rights in line with EU law and international obligations.
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