The European Commission on January 29 adopted its first EU Visa Strategy, setting out a new framework to strengthen security, support economic growth and improve the bloc’s ability to attract global talent. Alongside the strategy, the Commission issued a recommendation aimed at making the EU more attractive for skilled professionals, students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
The reforms come as the EU responds to rising global mobility, regional instability and competition for talent. The Commission said the strategy is designed to align visa policy with the EU’s long-term interests while keeping the Schengen area secure.
Focus on security and border control
One key pillar of the Visa Strategy is strengthening security in the Schengen area. This includes a modern system for granting visa-free status, closer monitoring of existing visa-free regimes, stronger use of visa leverage, possible targeted restrictive measures, and new steps to improve travel document security.
The Commission said these measures are intended to reduce risks while ensuring better oversight of who enters the Schengen zone.
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Easier travel for tourists and business visitors
The second pillar focuses on competitiveness and smoother travel. The strategy proposes new digital procedures for both visa-free and visa-required travellers. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to partly automate pre-departure checks for visa-free travellers from the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Commission also plans to promote multiple-entry visas with longer validity for trusted travellers, making travel easier and more predictable for tourists and business visitors.
Steps to attract skilled non-EU workers
The third pillar aims to improve conditions for non-EU talent. The Commission said additional support will be provided to non-EU nationals and employers through European Legal Gateway Offices to address visa-related challenges. Extra EU funding is also planned to support visa processing for highly skilled workers.
Alongside the strategy, the Commission adopted a recommendation on attracting talent for innovation. It urges member states to simplify and speed up long-stay visa and residence permit procedures through more digitised processes, fewer documents and shorter processing times.
The recommendation also calls for easier transitions from study or research to work or entrepreneurship, better mobility within the EU, and stronger coordination between national authorities, universities and research organisations.
The Commission said the Visa Strategy and the recommendation together aim to make the EU more open to global talent while maintaining secure and well-managed borders.
The reforms come as the EU responds to rising global mobility, regional instability and competition for talent. The Commission said the strategy is designed to align visa policy with the EU’s long-term interests while keeping the Schengen area secure.
Focus on security and border control
One key pillar of the Visa Strategy is strengthening security in the Schengen area. This includes a modern system for granting visa-free status, closer monitoring of existing visa-free regimes, stronger use of visa leverage, possible targeted restrictive measures, and new steps to improve travel document security.The Commission said these measures are intended to reduce risks while ensuring better oversight of who enters the Schengen zone.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Easier travel for tourists and business visitors
The second pillar focuses on competitiveness and smoother travel. The strategy proposes new digital procedures for both visa-free and visa-required travellers. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to partly automate pre-departure checks for visa-free travellers from the fourth quarter of 2026.The Commission also plans to promote multiple-entry visas with longer validity for trusted travellers, making travel easier and more predictable for tourists and business visitors.
Steps to attract skilled non-EU workers
The third pillar aims to improve conditions for non-EU talent. The Commission said additional support will be provided to non-EU nationals and employers through European Legal Gateway Offices to address visa-related challenges. Extra EU funding is also planned to support visa processing for highly skilled workers.Alongside the strategy, the Commission adopted a recommendation on attracting talent for innovation. It urges member states to simplify and speed up long-stay visa and residence permit procedures through more digitised processes, fewer documents and shorter processing times.
The recommendation also calls for easier transitions from study or research to work or entrepreneurship, better mobility within the EU, and stronger coordination between national authorities, universities and research organisations.
The Commission said the Visa Strategy and the recommendation together aim to make the EU more open to global talent while maintaining secure and well-managed borders.