Lithuania Calls for Fewer Schengen Visas for Russians
Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs called for issuing fewer Schengen visas to Russians, stating that 'It is absolutely unacceptable (...) to issue a record number of Schengen visas, as has been the case in previous and current years.'
Consensus
- The Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Kęstutis Budrys, called for reducing the number of Schengen visas issued to Russians.
- He stated that issuing record numbers of Schengen visas to Russians is 'completely unacceptable'.
- Lithuania does not issue tourist visas to Russian citizens.
- The EU has not reached consensus on a complete ban on issuing visas to Russians.
- The Minister also called for limiting the number and movement of Russian diplomats in the EU.
- The statement was made on September 4.
- The context includes concerns about Russian 'hybrid threats' and 'spies' in Europe.
Points of divergence
- Budrys previously called for NATO to launch an offensive operation on the Kaliningrad Oblast and faced calls for his resignation after those remarks. — vesti
- Serbia may cancel its visa-free regime with Russia following Montenegro’s move, which will introduce visas for Russians and Belarusians from November 1, 2026. — vm
- The European Commission has tightened Schengen visa rules for Russians since November 2025, no longer issuing multiple-entry visas in general. — fontanka
- Bloomberg reported that the EU is considering restricting tourist visas for Russians, sanctions against Russia’s 'shadow fleet,' and stricter movement rules for Russian diplomats. — tg_dwglavnoe
Coverage (4 sources)
- Lithuania's Foreign Minister Calls for Issuing Fewer Schengen Visas to Russians — DW Главное
- Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called to limit issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens — Вести
- Lithuania's Foreign Minister Budrys called for limiting opportunities for Russians in Europe — Вечерняя Москва
- Europe is full of them: Lithuania calls for reducing visa issuance to Russians — Фонтанка
Key entities
- Lithuania
- MID
- Europe
- Kestutis Budrys
- Russia
- Moscow
- Bloomberg
- EU
- European Union
- European Union (EU)
- Delfi
- Lithuanian Radio and Television