Latvia Calls on EU to Halt Schengen Visas for Russian Citizens Amid Security Concerns
Latvia has once again called for the suspension of Schengen visa issuance to Russian citizens, citing growing concerns over security risks in the European Union (EU). This call was made by Latvia’s Minister of Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, during a recent meeting of the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union. Kozlovskis’s statement came after the release of the 2024 Schengen Barometer, which revealed a significant increase in the number of Schengen tourist visas granted to Russian citizens.
Key Highlights:
- Latvia urges EU members to stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian nationals.
- In 2024, a total of 565,069 Schengen tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens, marking a 25% increase from 2023.
- Minister Kozlovskis stresses that the continued issuing of visas could pose internal security risks to the EU, calling it a “moral duty” to halt such practices.
- Latvia itself suspended Schengen visa issuance to Russian citizens in 2022 and extended the ban until 2026.
Surge in Schengen Visas for Russian Citizens in 2024
According to the 2024 Schengen Barometer, 565,069 Schengen tourist visas were granted to Russian nationals in 2024. This represents a substantial 25% increase in the number of visas compared to 2023, raising alarms about the growing number of Russian tourists within the EU. Shockingly, Russian visas accounted for 5.7% of all Schengen visas issued last year, with the majority (90%) granted for tourism purposes.
These numbers have raised serious concerns among EU officials, particularly regarding the potential security risks posed by an influx of Russian citizens. The Latvian Minister of Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, has warned that allowing such high volumes of Russian nationals into the EU could contribute to instability, especially amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.
A Call for Action
Kozlovskis, who has been outspoken about the issue since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stressed that the EU must adapt its visa policies to reflect the current state of affairs. "In the current circumstances, we cannot continue business as usual," Kozlovskis said. "We must admit that we are in a hybrid war. Therefore, I call on all member states to seriously recognize the threat. Denying such a service is our moral duty."
The Latvian government has been particularly proactive in addressing the issue. Latvia was one of the first EU countries to halt Schengen visa issuance for Russian citizens back in 2022, immediately following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country has since extended this ban until the end of 2026. Kozlovskis noted that Latvia has experienced irregular border crossings and even acts of sabotage attributed to Russian nationals, further emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance.
EU's Position on Russian Schengen Visas
The EU has already taken steps to address the issue of visa and entry restrictions for Russian nationals. In 2022, the EU Commission issued guidelines that outlined stricter visa rules for Russian citizens, including restrictions on non-essential travel. However, the issue of visa issuance for Russian citizens is expected to be revisited at the next meeting of the EU Ministers of Interior.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, also expressed concern over the situation, urging member states to maintain a unified stance on the issue. The EU recognizes the threats posed by Russia and acknowledges that global security concerns can have significant implications for the functioning of the Schengen Area.
Latvia’s Border Security
Latvia’s decision to suspend Schengen visa issuance for Russian nationals is not without reason. The country has faced increasing border security challenges since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Kozlovskis highlighted several incidents involving irregular border crossings and acts of sabotage by Russian nationals, which further solidified the government’s stance on tightening visa controls for Russian citizens.
Latvia is not alone in its concerns. Several other EU countries have also called for stricter visa measures for Russian citizens, though the EU as a whole has yet to adopt a unified policy on this matter. With the situation evolving, it is expected that discussions on the issue will continue to dominate EU meetings in the coming months.
Conclusion
As tensions continue to rise between Russia and the EU, the issue of Schengen visas for Russian citizens remains a sensitive and divisive topic. Latvia’s call to halt the issuance of these visas is driven by growing concerns over security risks and the impact of Russia’s actions on the stability of the EU. While Latvia has already taken steps to address these concerns, the EU as a whole must now decide whether to adopt a more unified approach to visa issuance for Russian nationals.
For now, the future of Schengen visas for Russian citizens remains uncertain, and the issue is expected to be a focal point of discussion at upcoming EU meetings.
Source: Schengen News
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