Germany says too many Russian tourists are still receiving EU visas

Germany says too many Russian citizens are still receiving short-term visas that allow them to holiday in the European Union.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman in Berlin said the number of Category C visas issued to Russian nationals was excessive. He recalled an EU agreement reached in 2022 to reduce short-stay visas, but said member states were applying it with varying degrees of strictness.

Berlin also argued that visa decisions must ensure that only people who pose no threat are allowed to enter. The comments came after Germany blamed Russia for a drone incident at Leipzig airport.

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The number of visas issued, Category C visas that Russian citizens use to holiday in the European Union, is too high.

In response to that incident, Germany said it would close Russia’s general consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. Government spokesman Steffen Meyer said Berlin was prepared for a reaction from Moscow.

“We believe the Kremlin clearly understood yesterday’s signal,” Meyer said. “These hybrid attacks are not achieving their political goal. Ultimately, Russia is harming itself.”

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We believe the Kremlin clearly understood yesterday’s signal. These hybrid attacks are not achieving their political goal. Ultimately, Russia is harming itself.