German Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained that he opposes the idea of prohibition issuing of tourist Schengen visas to Russians — it will make it difficult to leave the country for those who disagree with Putinʼs regime.
He stated this in Oslo following a meeting with the leaders of the Scandinavian countries, writes Der Spiegel.
"All the decisions we make should not make it difficult for them to find freedom and the opportunity to leave the country, escaping from the dictatorship in Russia. This is not the Russian peopleʼs war, this is Putinʼs war," noted Olaf Scholz.
Several European countries, including Finland, which was also present at the meeting, called for the prohibition on Russian tourists from entering the EU to ensure that they too would be punished for Russiaʼs invasion of Ukraine.
- Poland has not been issuing tourist visas to citizens of the Russian Federation for several months. In August, Latvia stopped issuing visas to Russians. The Czech Republic does not issue visas and temporary residence permits to Russians until the end of March 2023. On August 11, Estonia closed the border for Russians.
- A number of European Union countries are discussing the possibility of banning the issuance of visas to citizens of Russia. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland have already taken such an initiative.