Austria pointed to interference with human freedom by banning visas for Russian citizens

The European Commission's decision to ban multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians is a scandal and a restriction on freedom of movement. Austrian geopolitical analyst Patrick Poppel told Izvestia on November 7.

"It's a scandal that people's freedom of movement is being restricted. But this is natural, because totalitarian systems always tend to make the rules for people stricter," Poppel said.

The expert stressed that under the pretext of conflict, there is a gradual curtailment of human rights. He noted that such prohibitions are an interference with human freedom, in his ability to be free.

Poppel also expressed regret over the willingness of European countries to take such measures, pointing out that such processes are typical for periods of conflict when certain forces use the situation to advance their own interests.

No good: EU demands from Balkan countries to cancel visa-free travel for Russians

Montenegro may take this step as early as 2026, and Serbia and BiH will not yield to pressure yet, experts believe.

The Swiss Secretariat for Migration (SEM) announced on November 7 that Bern will join the new EU visa restrictions on Russian citizens. The relevant changes will take effect on Saturday at the same time as the rest of the Schengen area.

On November 7, the European Commission announced a ban on issuing new multiple-entry visas to citizens of the Russian Federation. Now, to visit the European Union, Russians will have to apply to the visa application center every time.

On the same day, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, commented on restrictions on the issuance of multiple Schengen visas to Russians. According to her, Europe apparently does not need solvent tourists when there are migrants and tax evaders from Ukraine.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.