Berlin urges EU visa curbs after Italy-issued visa linked to Leipzig plot

Germany has called on the European Union to restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens after a Belarusian national was reported to have been travelling on a visa issued by Italy while allegedly plotting an attack on Leipzig airport, the Guardian reported on Friday.

The case has reopened a sensitive debate inside the bloc over how to handle Russian nationals seeking entry for leisure while security services across Europe warn of a campaign of sabotage and hybrid attacks linked to Moscow.

For Italy, the episode places the spotlight on its visa-issuing practices at a moment when the country's eastern border and consular networks are under greater scrutiny from EU partners.