EU prepares to stop issuing Schengen multivisa to Russians
The European Union plans to significantly restrict the issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens, reports Politico citing sources in the European Commission.
The new rules are expected to be adopted by by the end of this week, and then most Russians will be able to obtain only a one-time short-term visa.
Context of the solution
According to the publication, the initiative is seen as Reaction to the war against Ukraine and an attempt to prevent «abuse of free movement privileges» by citizens of the aggressor country.
Some Member States, in particular Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia, already stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians at the national level. This restriction is now planned to be extended to the entire EU.
The goal is a coherent position of all EU members
The European Commission emphasises that the new visa restrictions should ensure a unified approach of all Schengen countries. This should prevent situations where Russians circumvent the ban by applying for visas through other states.
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