EU Backs Tougher Visa Rules for Russians
European Union member states expressed broad support for stricter visa restrictions for Russian tourists and a ban on entry for Russian combatants involved in the war in Ukraine, following a meeting of foreign ministers in Ireland.
Consensus
- The European Union member states expressed broad support for tighter visa restrictions for Russian tourists.
- A ban on entry for Russian former combatants involved in the war in Ukraine was supported.
- The discussions took place during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland.
- Kaja Kallas, head of the EU's foreign policy service, confirmed the support.
- The idea of stricter visa rules has been under discussion for several months.
- The EU has already established a legal basis for banning short-term visas for active and former Russian combatants in July as part of the 21st sanctions package.
Points of divergence
- Germany publicly accused Russia of planning a drone attack at Leipzig airport on August 4–5, which the EU and UK supported. — tg_bbcrussian
- Germany's foreign ministry representative Martin Giese stated that the number of visas issued to Russians for leisure travel is too high and that Germany will push for further reductions. — tg_bbcrussian
- Martin Giese said visas should only be issued to Russians who do not pose a threat, but did not specify how this would be determined. — tg_bbcrussian
- No decision has been made yet at the EU level regarding the implementation of the new visa restrictions. — fontanka
- Kaya Kallas did not specify the exact new restrictions for Russian tourists, their timing, or which categories of Russian citizens would be affected. — tg_dwglavnoe
- Eleven European countries called in June for limiting the issuance of tourist visas to Russians. — fontanka
- The UK and Ukraine were represented at the meeting of EU foreign ministers. — tg_bbcrussian
Coverage (3 sources)
- EU backs tightening of visa restrictions for Russians — DW Главное
- Russian tourists will face more difficult entry into Europe — Фонтанка
- EU countries support ban on issuing visas to Russian combatants and tightening conditions for tourist visas for Russians — BBC News Русская служба