The AFD deputy called the ban on issuing visas to Russians the end of freedom of movement

The European Union's (EU) ban on issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens represents a restriction on freedom of travel and also the end of freedom of movement for Russians. Gunnar Lindemann, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, told Izvestia on November 7.

"Restricting the issuance of visas for Russian citizens, in fact, means restricting freedom of travel and also the end of freedom of movement. It is unclear why only Russian citizens will no longer be issued multiple-entry visas to travel to the Schengen area. It's impossible to understand, especially considering that many people — in particular, the late immigrants from Russia — have family ties on both sides," he said.

Lindemann added that many "Russian Germans" still live in Russia, while many of them live in Germany. He clarified that such an initiative to harass people in freedom of movement is a scandal for local authorities. At the same time, these measures are also considered unacceptable and unfair, and put residents of the country in an unequal position, as well as those Russians who visit Germany as tourists.

According to the MP, the German side needs tourists and economic contacts. He also called for an end to the practice of visa refusal and for a fair visa application process to be started again — for everyone, on equal grounds and according to uniform rules.

The window was closed: The European Commission banned issuing multiple-entry visas to Russians

The EU authorities have linked this measure to improving the security 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. It was clarified that now Russians will have to apply to the visa application center every time to visit the European Union. At the same time, EU countries will be able to continue issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to family members of Russian citizens residing in the EU.

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

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