The European Commission has adopted its first-ever EU Visa Strategy, which fundamentally changes the rules for entering the Schengen Area, the Commission informed in a statement.

The document envisages the full digitalization of procedures by 2026, enhanced control of visa-free travel, and the launch of special programs to attract talent for innovation.

"The Strategy aims to make Europe (1) safer, by strengthening the first line of security screening; (2) more prosperous and competitive, by facilitating access for those who contribute to our economies and societies; (3) more influential globally, by advancing the EU's strategic interests, values, and global standing; and (4) more efficient, through a smarter, modern and coherent visa policy," the aforesaid statement explains.