Germany and France join forces against growing calls for EU visa ban for Russians

Germany and France, the European Union's largest and most influential member states, have joined forces to oppose the growing demands for a EU-wide ban on the issuance of visas to Russian tourists.

The two countries believe the radical move would alienate the entire Russian population, including those who still hold some attachment to the West.

"While understanding the concerns of some member states in this context we should not underestimate the transformative power of experiencing life in democratic systems at first hand, especially for future generations," Germany and France wrote in a document seen by Reuters.

"Our visa policies should reflect that and continue to allow for people-to-people contacts in the EU with Russian nationals not linked to the Russian government."

The tourist ban has been backed by an increasing number of member states, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Denmark and Poland, who argue the invasion of Ukraine merits the total suspension of Russian tourism.

On Tuesday, the Netherlands voiced its support in an interview with local media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went even further and urged all Western nations to impose a blanket travel ban on all Russian citizens.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese government said EU sanctions against the Kremlin should "penalise the Russian war machine and not the Russian people," a viewpoint echoed by Spain.

Greece is yet to take a formal position in the debate, Euronews understands.

Introducing a EU-wide ban requires the unanimous agreement of the 27 member states.

The joint opposition from Berlin and Paris comes ahead of the informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Prague, where the issue is set to feature high on the agenda.

Wednesday's meeting