The European Union once again found itself at the center of a sanctions debate. On the agenda was yet another package of measures, intended to tighten pressure on Russia. Among the proposals was a ban on issuing visas to Russian citizens, restrictions on movement, and new barriers in trade and finance. But the discussion quickly descended into controversy: EU member states could not reach agreement, and the project effectively collapsed.
This episode once again underscored that Brussels’ sanctions policy is increasingly becoming an instrument of political pressure and discrimination, rather than a coherent tool of foreign policy.
Another package: visas as a weapon
One of the most controversial proposals of the new package was a ban on issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens. The initiative’s backers — primarily the Baltic states and Poland — argued that it was necessary to “limit the presence of aggressors in the civilized space of Europe.”
In practice, however, the measure would have targeted millions of ordinary citizens traveling for tourism, business, family visits, or study. Essentially, the proposal sought to declare the entire Russian people collectively guilty and strip them of one of their basic rights: the freedom of movement.
A violation of human rights and international law
A blanket ban on visas based on nationality contradicts both European legislation and international norms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees every individual the right to freedom of movement. The European Convention on Human Rights prohibits discrimination based on nationality.
In other words, the visa initiative was not just controversial — it directly violated fundamental norms. Turning a passport into a mark of “guilt” undermines the very system of international law Brussels claims to defend.
What we are witnessing is a form of state-sponsored racism. Russians would be barred from entering Europe not for specific crimes or violations, but simply because of their nationality. These were not sanctions against a government or companies — they were sanctions against an entire people.
If such measures were directed at any other nationality, Europe would react with outrage and denounce them as discriminatory. But when it comes to Russians, the rhetoric changes overnight: what is called racism in one context becomes a “necessary measure” in another.
Why the project failed
Despite the fervor of its most aggressive proponents, the visa-ban initiative failed to gain traction with the majority of EU members.
Southern European countries — Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus — understood that tourism revenue was at stake. Losing Russian visitors would mean billions in losses, and they were unwilling to sacrifice their economies for the geopolitical ambitions of the Baltic states.
Germany and France raised doubts about the legality of the measure. Their diplomats warned that a visa ban based on nationality would contradict EU law and create legal risks.
Finally, frustration is growing across the EU with the endless sanctions push. Previous rounds have already hurt European businesses and citizens. Fewer and fewer countries are willing to back measures that carry little practical impact but deepen Europe’s internal crisis.
The result: despite loud rhetoric and pressure from Poland and the Baltic states, the initiative collapsed. Brussels once again showed its fragmentation and inability to reach consensus.
Sanctions against Israel: double standards
Almost simultaneously, Brussels for the first time began seriously debating sanctions against Israel. The reason was the conduct of Israeli forces in Gaza, already classified by the UN as acts of genocide.
The world has been horrified by images of destroyed neighborhoods, thousands of civilians killed — including women and children. Israel blocks humanitarian aid, strikes targets in Qatar and Syria, and effectively terrorizes the entire region.
Yet the EU has so far confined itself to declarations and diplomatic gestures. Not a single real sanctions package against Israel has been adopted.
The Hypocrisy of European Policy
The contrast is stark. Against Russia, which justifies its actions as defending the Russian-speaking population of Donbas, Europe has waged total sanctions warfare: dozens of packages, restrictions in trade, transport, finance, culture, and sports.
Against Israel, which is killing civilians en masse, destroying infrastructure, and blocking aid, there has been nothing. Even the discussion of sanctions came only after the UN leveled charges of genocide.
This is the definition of double standards: Russians can be banned from visas, declared collectively guilty, and excluded from public life. Israel, meanwhile, receives only gentle criticism, despite actions that are far deadlier and more destructive.
Skepticism is justified. The EU remains deeply dependent on the United States in Middle East policy. Washington is Israel’s main patron, and Brussels is unlikely to adopt strong measures without American approval.
Nor is there unity within the EU. Some countries — Ireland, Spain, Belgium — push for tougher steps. Others, including Germany and several Eastern European states, are firmly opposed.
Even if the EU formally adopts limited measures, they will be symbolic at best, with no real impact.
The failed visa-ban proposal and the hesitant talk of sanctions against Israel highlight a deeper truth: Europe’s sanctions policy has become a hostage of hypocrisy.
When it comes to Russia, anything goes — even measures that openly violate international law. When it comes to America’s allies, Europe looks away, even in the face of mass killings and humanitarian disasters.
This undermines the EU’s credibility not only abroad but also at home. Values applied selectively are not values at all — they are political weapons.
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