Poland mulls Schengen restrictions for Armenia, Georgia

PanARMENIAN.Net - On July 31, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that his government is considering a temporary suspension of visa-free Schengen zone access for several countries, including Armenia and Georgia, citing national security concerns related to foreign intelligence activities.

Tusk described the move as a “targeted mechanism” in response to an arson incident allegedly carried out by a Colombian national on behalf of Russian intelligence. Similar restrictions might also apply to Venezuelan citizens, according to Caucasus Watch.

He said that citizens of former Soviet republics are “particularly vulnerable to recruitment,” which poses a threat to Poland’s national security.

While highlighting what he called a “crime issue” involving Georgian nationals, Tusk stressed that it is “in no way a national trait,” but rather linked to “organized criminal groups.” He added that Polish authorities have “already carried out deportations” and warned they would “not hesitate” to continue such actions if needed.

Poland has arrested 32 individuals suspected of cooperating with Russian intelligence. The detainees include foreign nationals—Russians, Ukrainians, one Colombian—as well as at least one Polish citizen.