Nordic states urge EU to block Russian tourists as visa approvals surge (euobserver.com)

• 11 European nations demand EU-wide ban on tourist visas for Russians.
• 2025 saw 618,806 Schengen visas issued to Russians, up 14% from 2024.
• Italy, France, and Spain are top issuers of visas to Russians.

"Sweden and 10 other European countries have urged the EU to block Russian tourists, citing a 14% increase in Schengen visas issued to Russians in 2025, reaching 618,806. Tourist visas accounted for 77% of the total. Italy, France, and Spain issued the most. The group demands uniform visa rules and screening for individuals with military ties to Russia."