{"id":2033031,"date":"2026-07-08T12:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T09:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2033031"},"modified":"2026-07-08T12:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T09:45:12","slug":"eu-narrows-ban-on-russian-combatants-to-appease-france-and-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2033031","title":{"rendered":"EU narrows ban on Russian combatants to appease France and Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/01\/41\/1200x675_cmsv2_556efcce-8e72-5724-8219-14b63452afe2-9830141.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2908327-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2908327\" data-cid=\"9830511\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908327-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/05\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_ad9be77c-0d11-5f4d-8f00-c806effefc9a-9830511.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Portugal&apos;s Renato Veiga (13) drinks water during a hydration break of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Do World Cup hydration breaks protect players in the heat?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907882-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2907882\" data-cid=\"9828178\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907882-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/81\/78\/189x106_cmsv2_a581c2ef-8365-52de-b7f8-4ca5913c39ee-9828178.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marine Le Pen will run for president for the fourth time.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018People admire scars\u2019: MEPs fear Le Pen more than Bardella\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908303-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908303\" data-cid=\"9830467\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908303-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/04\/67\/189x106_cmsv2_64d6bce0-50b1-5d69-8410-332e3cc0dad2-9830467.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spain&apos;s Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez during a media conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    S\u00e1nchez says US-Spain ties positive after Trump threat to cut trade\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908240-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908240\" data-cid=\"9829981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908240-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/99\/81\/189x106_cmsv2_537a0f4f-fd0f-5696-8f7f-23e20ff44e58-9829981.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Norway&apos;s Erling Haaland celebrates scoring his side&apos;s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in N.J. July 5, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AI&#8217;s biggest World Cup star? It&#8217;s a fake Erling Haaland\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908327-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2908327\" data-cid=\"9830511\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908327-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/05\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_ad9be77c-0d11-5f4d-8f00-c806effefc9a-9830511.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Portugal&apos;s Renato Veiga (13) drinks water during a hydration break of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Do World Cup hydration breaks protect players in the heat?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907882-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2907882\" data-cid=\"9828178\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907882-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/81\/78\/189x106_cmsv2_a581c2ef-8365-52de-b7f8-4ca5913c39ee-9828178.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marine Le Pen will run for president for the fourth time.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018People admire scars\u2019: MEPs fear Le Pen more than Bardella\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908303-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908303\" data-cid=\"9830467\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908303-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/04\/67\/189x106_cmsv2_64d6bce0-50b1-5d69-8410-332e3cc0dad2-9830467.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spain&apos;s Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez during a media conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    S\u00e1nchez says US-Spain ties positive after Trump threat to cut trade\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908240-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908240\" data-cid=\"9829981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908240-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/99\/81\/189x106_cmsv2_537a0f4f-fd0f-5696-8f7f-23e20ff44e58-9829981.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Norway&apos;s Erling Haaland celebrates scoring his side&apos;s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in N.J. July 5, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AI&#8217;s biggest World Cup star? It&#8217;s a fake Erling Haaland\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            EU narrows ban on Russian combatants to appease France and Italy<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/01\/41\/1536x864_cmsv2_556efcce-8e72-5724-8219-14b63452afe2-9830141.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony in Moscow marking the 85th anniversary of the Nazi German invasion of Russia, 22 June 2026.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony in Moscow marking the 85th anniversary of the Nazi German invasion of Russia, 22 June 2026.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo\/ Alexander Zemlianichenko<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\/ Alexander Zemlianichenko\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspLuca Bertuzzi\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783514712\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-07-08 14:45:12 +02:00\">08\/07\/2026 &#8211; 14:45 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"14:53\">14:53<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span 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loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        A narrowed-down version of the ban on Russian combatants, limited to short-stay visas and those who fought directly, landed on the table of EU ambassadors meeting on Wednesday after France and Italy pushed back on the measure.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The European Union is discussing a narrower version of its proposal to ban the issuing of visas to Russian soldiers and military veterans after pushback from France and Italy, limiting the measure to short-stay visas and to those who directly took part in the fighting in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The ban will form part of the EU&#8217;s 21st package of sanctions against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>EU ambassadors are due to discuss the package on Wednesday, with the aim of adopting it by mid-July to avoid an automatic revision of the Russian oil price cap.<\/p>\n<p>In recent weeks, France and Italy have objected to the full combatant ban, arguing that it should fall under visa policy rather than sanctions and warning it could create practical problems for countries that process large numbers of Russian visa applications.<\/p>\n<p>To address these concerns, Ireland, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, has proposed limiting the policy to short-stay visas.<\/p>\n<p>The ban&#8217;s scope has also been narrowed to target individuals who are serving or have served either in Russia&#8217;s armed forces or in irregular forces controlled by or acting for Moscow. It would apply only to individuals who took direct part in the fighting in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.<\/p>\n<p>The original proposal was far broader, covering those who played any role in the armed forces, including administrative and logistical ones; the revised package no longer presumes an applicant took part in the war unless they can prove otherwise.<\/p>\n<h2>Practical problems<\/h2>\n<p>France and Italy had previously questioned the measure&#8217;s practicality, given that Russia enforces mandatory military conscription for all male citizens aged 18 to 30, who must serve a year in the armed forces.<\/p>\n<p>The exemptions have also been widened. Under the original proposal, the only exemption available was for visa applicants who could prove they were dissidents or defectors from the Russian army. The latest version also allows entry or transit for humanitarian reasons, national interest, or international obligations.<\/p>\n<p>For these exceptions, the visa would be limited to the issuing EU country, meaning the holder could not travel to another member state unless that country consents.<\/p>\n<p>Practical questions are still likely to surface when ambassadors meet on Wednesday, since the ban would place a significant administrative burden on consular services required to carry out case-by-case assessments.<\/p>\n<p>To ease these concerns, the Commission has offered to update its guidance on issuing visas to Russian applicants and revise the supporting documents required.<\/p>\n<p>However, Paris and Rome have continued to raise legal questions over whether consular services would be liable for breaches of the travel ban, potentially shouldering the burden of proof and becoming exposed to legal challenges.<\/p>\n<p>The two countries have met pushback from northern and eastern European countries due to their high number of tourist visas, which have been steadily increasing since the start of the war, according to Eurostat data.<\/p>\n<p>There is no official estimate of how many individuals are set to be affected by the visa ban, but the share compared to the number of total arrivals is not expected to be significant given the socio-economic background of Russian footsoldiers and the high death toll at the front.<\/p>\n<p>However, EU officials have defended the move on security grounds, comparing Russian combatants to former Islamic State fighters and Balkan war criminals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU ban on Russian combatants faces resistance from France and Italy<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU proposes new sanctions on Russian oil, &#8216;shadow fleet&#8217;, fisheries and soldiers<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  &#8216;No more shopping weekends&#8217;: 11 European countries seek tougher Russian visa rules<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel visa<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Russia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  France<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Italy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Schengen Area<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908304-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908304\" data-cid=\"9830351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908304-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/03\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_3a133f63-6635-5421-a60f-bccb12125a55-9830351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in a pro-government gathering in Tehran, 7 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908170-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908170\" data-cid=\"9829666\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908170-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/96\/66\/320x180_cmsv2_a0484ddc-e991-502a-b214-a75cb6560740-9829666.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament condemns Zelenskyy for UPA diplomatic row<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908295-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908295\" data-cid=\"9830246\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908295-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_92ceacad-88a2-5301-8227-ae14f94c27fd-9830246.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., on March 21, 2023. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US to give Ukraine licence to produce Patriot air-defence interceptors<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908303-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908303\" data-cid=\"9830467\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908303-label-pos5-top-stories\" 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class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/81\/78\/320x180_cmsv2_a581c2ef-8365-52de-b7f8-4ca5913c39ee-9828178.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marine Le Pen will run for president for the fourth time.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018People admire scars\u2019: MEPs fear Le Pen more than Bardella<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" data-cid=\"9827608\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The five fastest-growing economies in Europe over the next five years<br \/>\n  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Harry loses London High Court privacy case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907889-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907889\" data-cid=\"9828209\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Overturn this\u2019: Belgian team and fans mock Donald Trump and FIFA<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2908089-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908089\" data-cid=\"9829297\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says ceasefire with Iran &#8216;over&#8217; after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908304-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908304\" data-cid=\"9830351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908304-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/03\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_3a133f63-6635-5421-a60f-bccb12125a55-9830351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in a pro-government gathering in Tehran, 7 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908170-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908170\" data-cid=\"9829666\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908170-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/96\/66\/320x180_cmsv2_a0484ddc-e991-502a-b214-a75cb6560740-9829666.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament condemns Zelenskyy for UPA diplomatic row<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908295-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908295\" data-cid=\"9830246\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908295-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_92ceacad-88a2-5301-8227-ae14f94c27fd-9830246.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., on March 21, 2023. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US to give Ukraine licence to produce Patriot air-defence interceptors<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908303-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908303\" data-cid=\"9830467\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908303-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/04\/67\/320x180_cmsv2_64d6bce0-50b1-5d69-8410-332e3cc0dad2-9830467.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spain&apos;s Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez during a media conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    S\u00e1nchez says US-Spain ties positive after Trump threat to cut trade<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907882-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907882\" data-cid=\"9828178\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2907882-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/81\/78\/320x180_cmsv2_a581c2ef-8365-52de-b7f8-4ca5913c39ee-9828178.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marine Le Pen will run for president for the fourth time.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018People admire scars\u2019: MEPs fear Le Pen more than Bardella<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" data-cid=\"9827608\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The five fastest-growing economies in Europe over the next five years<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907901-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907901\" data-cid=\"9828296\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament to ask for probe into FIFA boss Infantino<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908051-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908051\" data-cid=\"9829078\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prince Harry loses London High Court privacy case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907889-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907889\" data-cid=\"9828209\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Overturn this\u2019: Belgian team and fans mock Donald Trump and FIFA<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908089-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908089\" data-cid=\"9829297\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says ceasefire with Iran &#8216;over&#8217; after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The European Union is discussing a narrower version of its proposal to ban the issuing of visas to Russian soldiers and military veterans after pushback from France and Italy, limiting the measure to short-stay visas and to those who directly took part in the fighting in Ukraine.The ban will form part of the EU&#8217;s 21st package of sanctions against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.EU ambassadors are due to discuss the package on Wednesday, with the aim of adopting it by mid-July to avoid an automatic revision of the Russian oil price cap.In recent weeks, France and Italy have objected to the full combatant ban, arguing that it should fall under visa policy rather than sanctions and warning it could create practical problems for countries that process large numbers of Russian visa applications.To address these concerns, Ireland, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, has proposed limiting the policy to short-stay visas.The ban&#8217;s scope has also been narrowed to target individuals who are serving or have served either in Russia&#8217;s armed forces or in irregular forces controlled by or acting for Moscow. It would apply only to individuals who took direct part in the fighting in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.The original proposal was far broader, covering those who played any role in the armed forces, including administrative and logistical ones; the revised package no longer presumes an applicant took part in the war unless they can prove otherwise.Practical problemsFrance and Italy had previously questioned the measure&#8217;s practicality, given that Russia enforces mandatory military conscription for all male citizens aged 18 to 30, who must serve a year in the armed forces.The exemptions have also been widened. Under the original proposal, the only exemption available was for visa applicants who could prove they were dissidents or defectors from the Russian army. The latest version also allows entry or transit for humanitarian reasons, national interest, or international obligations.For these exceptions, the visa would be limited to the issuing EU country, meaning the holder could not travel to another member state unless that country consents.Practical questions are still likely to surface when ambassadors meet on Wednesday, since the ban would place a significant administrative burden on consular services required to carry out case-by-case assessments.To ease these concerns, the Commission has offered to update its guidance on issuing visas to Russian applicants and revise the supporting documents required.However, Paris and Rome have continued to raise legal questions over whether consular services would be liable for breaches of the travel ban, potentially shouldering the burden of proof and becoming exposed to legal challenges.The two countries have met pushback from northern and eastern European countries due to their high number of tourist visas, which have been steadily increasing since the start of the war, according to Eurostat data.There is no official estimate of how many individuals are set to be affected by the visa ban, but the share compared to the number of total arrivals is not expected to be significant given the socio-economic background of Russian footsoldiers and the high death toll at the front.However, EU officials have defended the move on security grounds, comparing Russian combatants to former Islamic State fighters and Balkan war criminals.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/07\/08\/eu-narrows-ban-on-russian-combatants-to-appease-france-and-italy&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/01\/41\/1200x675_cmsv2_556efcce-8e72-5724-8219-14b63452afe2-9830141.jpg&#8221;] Sport Do World Cup hydration breaks protect players in the heat? 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