{
  "id": 5308657,
  "title": "Poland calls for stricter controls on EU visas for Russians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/poland-calls-for-stricter-controls-on-eu-visas-for-russians",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T10:38:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-radoslaw-sikorski-calls-for-stricter-russia-visa-restrictions-eu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has called for stricter controls on EU visas for Russians in response to recent hybrid attacks across the continent. Speaking alongside German and French counterparts in Weimar, Sikorski argued that Russia is attempting to undermine the EU from within and should not be allowed to exploit the benefits of free movement. His comments followed Germany's attribution of an incursion involving explosive-laden drones to Russian involvement and the subsequent imposition of diplomatic retaliations. Sikorski proposed restricting Russian diplomats' freedom of movement to only the countries they are accredited in, limiting Schengen visa issuance to Russian citizens, mandating biometric passes for Russians entering the EU, and capping the number of Russian diplomats in the bloc. Estimating over 2,000 Russian diplomats in the EU, Sikorski claimed at least 40 percent are engaged in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status, including alleged terrorist activities. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed readiness to support further measures if necessary. Germany has faced a series of hybrid attacks in recent weeks, including two power facility breaches and one on a defense company in Munich, though the latter's involvement of Russia remains unconfirmed. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declined to comment on the possibility of Russian involvement, emphasizing the country's commitment to security and defense cooperation with allies.",
  "summary": "The call comes amid a series of hybrid attacks throughout Europe and the incursion of explosive-laden drones in Germany.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}