Recent data from Eurostat reveals a significant decline in asylum applications across the European Union. In 2024, the EU recorded a notably lower number of people seeking international protection compared to previous years, reflecting a broader trend of reduced migration pressure.
In 2024, Schengen states recorded a total of 11.7 million visa applications, marking a 13.5% increase from 10.3 million in 2023.
Poland, along with the Baltic and Nordic countries, is calling for a Schengen-wide ban on Russian nationals who took part in military actions against Ukraine. The proposed move aims to tighten security across the EU and prevent individuals linked to the war from freely entering the borderless Schengen Zone.
The European Union’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Thomas Ossowski, has strongly criticised the lack of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens, calling the current situation “unsustainable” and “unacceptable.”
The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, has stated that the majority of EU member states are not in favor of suspending visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. Speaking to journalists, Herczynski clarified that “for the moment, this is not the case,” indicating that no formal move is currently being considered.
Travelers are growing more cautious about visiting Europe due to mounting costs and increasing geopolitical instability. New data reveals a noticeable decline in interest among international tourists, with Europe emerging as the most affected destination.
The European Union and Armenia are moving forward with their visa liberalisation process, with both sides reaffirming their commitment during high-level meetings in Brussels. On June 24, a draft version of the EU-Armenia Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP) is set to be formally discussed.
The European travel industry body, ECTAA, has urged the European Union to relax visa and entry requirements for Chinese travellers, aiming to boost tourism and facilitate smoother travel from China to EU member states.
Belizean authorities continue to push for visa-free access to the Schengen Area, even as EU officials suggest the process remains unlikely in the near future.
Moroccan Citizens Still Struggling to Book Schengen Visa Appointments Despite Government Crackdown
