The European Commission on Friday published recommendations on visa policy for member states, which call, in particular, not to issue multi-year visas to citizens of Russia, and to consider the possibility of canceling already issued visas in certain cases.

 The EU's executive body recommends that member states, when making decisions about issuing visas, give a lower priority to applicants who do not have a significant reason for travel - for example, tourists.

 In addition, consulates can make decisions on visa applications within 45 days (previously 15 days) and require additional supporting documents.

 "Given the current security situation, consulates of member states should especially carefully check whether Russian citizens applying for short-term visas can be considered a threat to public order, internal security or international relations of any of the member states. If so, the visa should be refused - the decision is always made on the basis of an individual assessment," the recommendations of the European Commission emphasize.

 EU member states are also recommended to review current short-term visas: "If it becomes clear that the conditions for issuing a visa are no longer met, for example because the visa holder is now considered a security threat, member states must cancel the current visa."

 In addition, the European Commission advises against issuing multiple-entry visas with a long period of validity, "as Russian citizens may not meet the conditions for entry to the EU in the long term due to economic instability, restrictive measures and political developments in Russia."