OREANDA-NEWS The European Commission (EC) is considering the idea of a new scheme for issuing Schengen visas, the EC press release reports. Thus, applicants will be able to start processing documents through a single online platform, regardless of which Schengen country they are going to. It is noted that travelers who have not passed biometrics, as well as holders of new passports, will still have to come to the consulate in person.

The EC proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The creation of the document is planned to begin in 2024, and its launch should take place in 2026.

Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called for banning the issuance of Schengen visas to residents of Russia. He proposed to include this item in the new package of sanctions against Moscow. According to him, the issuance of visas to Russians should be stopped, with the «exception of humanitarian visas for those Russians who want to flee the country».