Finland and Sweden called for stricter issuance of Schengen visas to Russians

Finland and Sweden have taken the initiative to tighten the rules for issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens. This was announced on June 15 by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

"The summer season is approaching — thousands of Russian tourists are heading to European beaches....> We cannot allow Russian tourists to enjoy the freedoms and entertainment of European life," she said, the recording is available on the social network X (ex. Twitter).

According to her, the relevant proposals have already been sent to the European Commission for consideration. Valtonen stressed that the restrictive measures should primarily affect tourist trips during the upcoming vacation period.

At the moment, the initiative is under discussion at the level of relevant departments of the European Union. The specific mechanisms for tightening the visa regime in the joint proposal of the two countries have not yet been disclosed.

Brother without brother: Serbia discusses visa waiver with Russia by the end of the year

Will Belgrade maintain close relations with Moscow as the pro-Western camp strengthens its position in the country's leadership

Judita Lashshakova, a member of the European Parliament from Slovakia, said on June 12 that the initiative to ban Russians from entering the European Union was nonsense promoted by politicians who "have nothing else to do."

On June 11, deputies from the German conservative CDU/CSU bloc called for the termination of the issuance of tourist Schengen visas to Russian citizens. Representatives of the bloc stressed that the opportunity to relax in the EU countries is "a privilege, not the right of citizens of the country."