Nordic Allies Urge EU to Curb Russian Tourist Visas Amid Surge
Sweden and 10 other European nations plus Norway and Iceland urge the European Commission to tighten the EU Visa Code and create a screening mechanism to bar Russians with military ties from entering the Schengen area, arguing that rising visa approvals amount to “visa shopping” while Ukraine suffers. They warn that a fragmented approach weakens the Schengen zone as 2025 visa issuances to Russians reached about 618,806 (mostly tourist visas) with around 43,000 rejections; Italy, France and Spain issued the most, underscoring the need for a uniform policy.