RDS statement on European Comission's decision regarding multiple-entry Schengen visas for applicants from Russia

Today the European Commission announced the termination of issuing multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens applying from within Russia. RDS categorically disagrees with this decision and calls on the EU authorities, as well as the responsible institutions of the Schengen Agreement member states, to reconsider it as soon as possible.

While we understand the security concerns of European countries, in our view, the decision to stop issuing multiple-entry visas to Russians living in Russia is excessive. Such serious discrimination against Russian citizens will not bring an end to the war; on the contrary, it may turn many Russians away from European values and help Russian propaganda spread the myth of “russophobia.” Moreover, it seems unlikely that the European Commission truly believes that Russian spies arrive in Europe on tourist multiple-entry visas. Attempts to solve this problem with such a sweeping measure are doomed to failure — the Russian state will find ways to send its agents abroad, while thousands of ordinary Russians do not have such resources. We are rapidly approaching one of those situations where collateral damage outweighs any benefit.

European politicians and decision-makers must recognize the difference between Russia's political regime — an aggressive dictator and his entourage — and the population of the country, which includes many dissenting people. We had hoped that the story of the singer Naoko and the band “Stoptime” had demonstrated this simple fact to the world. Unfortunately, today’s decision shows that Naoko’s songs were misunderstood not only by the Russian state, but also in the countries of the European Union.

We hope for a prompt reconsideration of the European Commission’s decision.

RDS Team