Eleven EU Nations Urge Brussels to Halt Schengen Visas for Russians.

Joint Appeal from Ministers to the European Commission

According to UATV: Foreign and interior ministers from eleven European countries have formally requested that the European Commission stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens. The signatories include officials from Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland. Their demand stems from a reported surge in Schengen visas granted to Russians since the onset of the war in Ukraine.

According to available data, Russian nationals received over 477,000 Schengen visas for tourism in 2025 alone. A substantial portion of these are multiple-entry permits, which has raised red flags across the continent. European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert noted that overall visa issuance to Russians has dropped significantly since 2022, but the ministers argue the current numbers still undermine earlier restrictions.

Growing Unease Among European Capitals

In their statement, the ministers described the situation as 'blatantly contradicting the Commission's own guidance calling for a strict approach to Russian applicants.' This language underscores mounting frustration among nations pushing for tighter visa controls amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The appeal highlights deepening security and immigration concerns tied to the war. As the international community seeks ways to bolster Ukraine, such measures could become part of a broader strategy to isolate Russia diplomatically. Shifts in visa policy also reflect the strained relations between Western Europe and Moscow, potentially shaping future diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.