EU prepares visa ban for Russian ex-combatants from October (euobserver.com)

• EU agrees on legal basis for visa ban on Russian combatants as part of 21st sanctions package.
• France and Italy narrow scope to short-stay visas to protect tourism revenues.
• Implementation delayed until after summer, likely October 2026; evidence rules pending.

"The EU has drafted a legal basis to impose visa bans on Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine since February 2022, but delayed operationalisation until after the summer due to objections from France and Italy seeking to protect tourism. The ban, part of the 21st sanctions package, applies only to short-stay visas. Final approval is expected around October 2026 after further technical work on evidence requirements."