Foreign Affairs Council
The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) is a configuration of the Council of the European Union composed of the foreign ministers of the EU member states. It is responsible for shaping the EU's external policy, taking decisions on security, trade and international cooperation, and coordinating the EU's response to international crises. Meetings are chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
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EU finalising plan to tighten tourist visas for Russians over hybrid-attack concerns
The European Commission is finalising plans to tighten visa rules for Russian citizens travelling to the EU as tourists, citing the need to protect against hybrid attacks. A group of member states led by Poland, Sweden and Estonia is pushing for stricter rules, including measures targeting former Russian combatants. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue at a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 12 October, with parallel moves planned to restrict Russian diplomats' movement inside the Schengen area.