Major changes in the European Union - summary of 2024: everything you need to know in 2025
Table of contents
- Introduction of internal border controls among EU countries
- The EU has increased the fee for a Schengen visa
- The launch of the EES system has been postponed
- Vanuatu became the first country to be deprived of the right to visa-free travel with the EU
- Europe remains the main travel destination for foreign tourists
- New law on citizenship in Germany
- Toughening the criteria for obtaining citizenship in Finland
- Resumption of the Golden Visa program in Hungary
- Labor shortage and labor migration to the EU

In 2024, many events took place in the Schengen countries and a number of important decisions were made. They affect both EU citizens and foreign tourists and migrants. Learn more about the introduction of internal border controls, visa fee increases and other important changes in 2024
2024 was a period of significant changes in the Schengen area, affecting both EU citizens and travelers from other countries. Among the key innovations was the introduction of internal border controls in some EU member states, which was extended indefinitely due to security threats.
The EU has also increased the cost of Schengen visas, which has become an important decision for those planning to travel to the bloc. At the same time, the launch of the automated entry/exit system (EES) was postponed again, postponing its implementation until 2025.
Additionally, several member states revised the rules for obtaining citizenship, increasing the requirements for residency, language competence, and financial stability. These changes are part of the EU's overall policy of strengthening security and regulation.
Earlier, we told you that the EU introduced restrictions on cryptocurrency transactions.
Introduction of internal border controls among EU countries
Germany has introduced checks at all land borders with neighboring Schengen member states starting September 16, 2024. This decision will be in effect at least until March 2025. Previously, control was limited to certain areas, but now it covers the entire territory. The main goal is to protect borders and curb illegal migration.
On December 9, 2024, the Netherlands introduced controls on its borders with Germany and Belgium. The checks will last for six months, but the measures implemented are mainly limited to random checks of vehicles, without significant changes for ordinary travelers.
France has also stepped up measures on its borders with Schengen countries. Similar actions were taken by Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, although the border measures of these countries had already ceased to be in effect by the end of the year.
Slovenia, Italy, and Austria continued border controls. Slovenia has been controlling its borders with Croatia and Hungary since June 2024, with plans to maintain the measures until June 2025. Italy and Austria have also extended their restrictions, with Italy focusing on the border with Slovenia and Austria on the border with Hungary and Slovenia.
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The EU has increased the fee for a Schengen visa
On June 11, the visa fee increased by 12.5%, affecting almost all applicants, including children. Now, adults have to pay 90 euros instead of the previous 80, and the fee for children has been increased from 40 to 45 euros.
In addition, the fee for citizens of countries that do not cooperate with the EU in the readmission of illegal migrants has become much higher - up to 135 or even 180 euros, depending on the country of origin.
At the same time, citizens of countries that have visa facilitation agreements with the EU have not experienced any changes in the cost. The following categories remain exempted from payment: students, participants in youth programs, and some other groups.
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The launch of the EES system has been postponed
The launch of the European Union's entry/exit system (EES), scheduled for November 10, 2024, has been postponed to 2025 due to technical difficulties and the unreadiness of some member states. This decision was made in October 2024, and Home Affairs Commissioner Ilva Johansson announced the revised schedule. She also noted that a phased launch of the system is a possible option.
The European Commission has already proposed a phased launch of the EES over 6 months. This approach will allow member states to ensure stable and secure operation of the system from day one.
The EES is an innovative automated system that is intended to replace manual stamping of passports. It involves the registration of travelers' biometric data - fingerprints, photographs and other information.
The collected data will be stored for three years and will help EU authorities to control entries and exits more effectively, prevent illegal migration, detect overstayers and identify people with fake documents.
Vanuatu became the first country to be deprived of the right to visa-free travel with the EU
In 2024, for the first time in history, the European Union canceled the visa-free regime for one of the countries. This decision concerned Vanuatu and was made in December 2024. The reason for this step was the country's non-compliance with EU requirements for granting citizenship to foreigners through investment.
Vanuatu was selling its passports under a simplified procedure, which raised security concerns within the Schengen area. The EU emphasized that such a scheme abused trust and created risks for the bloc, as new citizens were not properly vetted.
Following the abolition of the visa-free regime, all Vanuatu passport holders, including those who obtained them through investment, are now required to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen area.
Europe remains the main travel destination for foreign tourists
According to a report by the European Travel Commission (ETC) published in October 2024, about 40% of foreigners surveyed planned to visit European countries from September to December. Safety remained the main factor in choosing Europe as a travel destination, with 52% of respondents citing it as a priority.
Among other important criteria, tourists noted the developed infrastructure and wealth of attractions. The majority of foreigners who traveled to Europe did so for leisure purposes, and culture and history were the key motivations for 44% of respondents.
This trend is increasing interest in visiting the continent's historical centers and cultural centers. Europe's tourist attractions, such as ancient cities, museums, and architectural monuments, remain an integral part of tourist routes.
However, affordability has become a major challenge for many tourists choosing Europe in 2024. High costs for flights, accommodation, and services could have influenced potential travelers' decisions. Nevertheless, the cultural richness and high level of security continue to make Europe one of the most attractive destinations for foreign tourists.
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New law on citizenship in Germany
The new German Citizenship Act, which came into force on June 27, 2024, was an important step towards simplifying the process of obtaining a German passport for foreigners. It includes a number of innovations that facilitate the procedure for acquiring citizenship and take into account modern realities.
One of the key changes is the authorization of multiple citizenship. Foreigners applying for German citizenship can now retain their previous citizenship, which significantly increases the attractiveness of a German passport for many.
The law also shortens the period of legal residence required to apply. Instead of the previous eight years, foreigners can apply for citizenship after five years of residence in the country. For those who are married to German citizens or demonstrate a high level of integration into society, this period has been reduced to four and three years, respectively.
In addition, the law provides for easier conditions for children born in Germany to foreign parents and the generation of guest workers. The new rules help strengthen social integration and ensure equal rights for those who have worked for the country for a long time.
Earlier, we told you why it is important for Ukrainians to find a job in Germany by 2025.
Toughening the criteria for obtaining citizenship in Finland
In October 2024, new rules came into force in Finland that changed the period of residence required for citizenship. Now, foreigners must reside in the country for at least 8 years, not 5, as it was before. These changes have sparked debate as they have complicated the naturalization process.
The Finnish authorities explained that the innovations are aimed at ensuring that candidates have a closer connection with society and its values. However, the new requirements do not apply to certain categories of persons, such as those who already have a special legal status.
Similar changes are being discussed in other countries, such as the Czech Republic and Poland, which have announced their intentions to tighten citizenship laws. However, their new rules have not yet entered into force.
In our previous article, we told you that Finland has tightened its entry rules since September 1.
Resumption of the Golden Visa program in Hungary
In July 2024, Hungary re-launched the Golden Visa program, which allows foreign nationals to obtain residence permits through investment. The program, now known as the Invited Investor Program, offers 3 main investment options. The first option involves the purchase of real estate for the amount of 250,000 euros or more. The second option is an investment in residential real estate worth 500,000 euros or more. The third is a donation of EUR 1,000,000 to a Hungarian higher education institution.
Greece has updated the requirements for the Golden Visa program by introducing individual investment thresholds for different regions. For popular locations, such as Attica, Mykonos, Santorini, and Thessaloniki, the minimum investment amount is now EUR 800,000. In less developed regions, the threshold has been lowered to €400,000.
Labor shortage and labor migration to the EU
In 2024, labor migration to the European Union remained at a high level due to acute labor shortages in many member states. The large number of work permits issued to foreign nationals emphasizes the need for EU countries to recruit labor from abroad.
For example, Sweden issued 23,870 work permits from January to the end of October 2024. Romania issued 77,426 permits to non-EU foreigners during the same period, while Ireland issued 27,181 work permits between January and August.
Germany, which is constantly facing a shortage of skilled workers, increased the number of work visas by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This is part of its strategy to attract foreign workers to support the economy. Other EU countries have also adapted their policies to facilitate labor migration.
We remind you! Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 8 million Ukrainians have moved abroad. They have to not only arrange their lives and everyday life in a new country, but also quickly find a job. Read more about the easiest European countries for Ukrainians to find a job in, the salaries they can expect, and the documents they need to get hired.
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