EU launches first-ever visa strategy to boost security, attract global talent

On January 29, the European Commission unveiled its first-ever EU Visa Strategy, setting out a comprehensive framework to strengthen security, enhance economic competitiveness, and elevate the EU’s global influence.

The strategy aims to make Europe safer by tightening visa and travel document controls, more prosperous by facilitating travel for tourists, business travellers, and highly skilled professionals, and more efficient through modern, digitised visa procedures.

Measures include longer multiple-entry visas for trusted travellers, streamlined online applications, and stricter monitoring of visa-free regimes.

In parallel, the Commission adopted a Recommendation on attracting talent for innovation, encouraging Member States to simplify procedures for students, researchers, skilled workers, and startup founders.

The initiative supports EU efforts to retain global research and innovation talent and strengthen competitiveness in key sectors.

The Commission said the strategy would allow the EU to better manage growing mobility, respond to geopolitical challenges, and support economic growth while safeguarding security.

By Aghakazim Guliyev