Latvia: Strategic developments in Latvia
Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kūlbergis called on EU countries to stop issuing tourist visas to citizens of the Russian Federation. "For God's sake, do not let Russians into Europe!" Kūlbergis said in an interview with the Financial Times. According to him, Latvia is facing hybrid threats daily and expects the largest influx of migrants trying to cross its borders in the last five years this year. "Every country must take a firm stance on this issue. These are measures to prevent hybrid threats... And we continue to issue visas simply because it brings money to some countries?" the prime minister emphasized. Kūlbergis also noted that without stricter border controls in Europe, attacks using the Novichok poison could be repeated. "Every country must be strict on this issue. This is prevention," he added. The Financial Times recalled that France, Italy, and Spain traditionally belong to the number of countries issuing the largest number of Schengen visas to Russian citizens. According to the European Commission, they account for more than 70% of the more than 600,000 visas issued to Russians in 2025. In September 2022, the EU Council suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Russia. Then the visa fee increased from 35 to 80 euros, the standard processing time for applications increased from 10 to 15 days, and the requirements for documents and the issuance of multiple-entry visas were tightened. In November 2025, the European Commission restricted the issuance of new multiple-entry Schengen visas to citizens of the Russian Federation. Exceptions were made for certain categories of relatives of Russian citizens living in the EU and transport sector workers. The restrictions came into force on November 8. In June 2026, the European Commission stated that it was not preparing a complete ban on tourist visas for Russians. 💥 For ASTRA to continue working, even minimal but regular reader donations are important: Patreon, Crypto, BuyMeACoffee, from a Russian card
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