Germany seeks tougher visa rules in EU sanctions
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As part of the EU’s plans for a new sanctions package against Russia, Germany’s government is pushing for tighter visa rules for entry into the Schengen area, Tagesschau reported on Sept. 12.
According to the agency, the position paper demands full implementation of the European Commission’s 2022 recommendations, which stated that the issuance of visas to Russian citizens for tourism or shopping in EU countries should have already been significantly restricted. However, the latest data show this has not happened.
EU figures indicate that last year consulates in Russia issued about 542,000 short-stay visas for EU countries or other Schengen states, including Switzerland.
That number is significantly lower than in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, but about 20% higher than in 2023.
On Aug. 14, European Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podesta said the EU could approve its 19th sanctions package against Russia in September.
She did not provide details of the new package but stressed that the EU would continue to pressure Russia, as it sees the sanctions as effective.
On Aug. 13, Sky News, citing sources close to the country holding the EU presidency, reported that Ukraine’s European allies were considering the possibility of gradually easing sanctions on Russia if a full cease-fire could be agreed.
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