Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has called on European Union countries to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens. In an interview with the Financial Times, he linked this initiative to countering hybrid threats emanating, according to him, from Moscow.
Kulbergs also criticized countries that continue to accept Russian tourists for economic gain, and called on European partners to take a tougher stance.
The visa policy of the Schengen Area is regulated by common rules, but member states have significant powers when considering applications from Russian citizens. An EU-wide ban would require a separate decision at the EU level.
