European MPs Push for EU-Wide Closure of 'Russia Houses,' National Sovereignty Remains Key Hurdle

Led by Lithuanian European Parliament member Žuknys, 71 European lawmakers submitted a petition to EU leadership calling for the establishment of a unified mechanism to close "Russia Houses" across the bloc. These institutions currently operate in 15 EU member states, primarily offering cultural programs, Russian language courses, and services related to studying in Russia.

This move is not isolated. Following the drone incident at Leipzig Airport in August 2026, Germany announced the closure of the Russian consulate general in Bonn and terminated its cooperation agreement with the Berlin-based "Russia House." In response, Russia closed Germany’s consulate general in Saint Petersburg and restricted operations of several Goethe Institutes within Russia. The remaining diplomatic and cultural exchange channels between the two countries are rapidly diminishing.

Earlier, Pavel Prima-kov, head of the Russian Federal Agency for Compatriots Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation, stated that "Russia Houses" across multiple European countries have faced threats, vandalism, visa restrictions, and financial difficulties, with some activities already suspended in certain nations.

The European Commission has previously made clear that decisions regarding the closure of such institutions fall under national competence. Under the principle of subsidiarity, culture and education remain areas of supplementary competence for member states, meaning the EU can only coordinate but lacks the authority to compel individual countries to shut down cultural institutions on their territory.

Thus, the petition likely serves as a form of political pressure—aiming to foster a common EU stance, which would then be implemented unilaterally by member states.

This development marks a further deterioration of EU-Russia relations beyond economic sanctions and diplomatic downgrade, now moving toward the complete cessation of people-to-people exchanges. Should more member states follow suit, the last remaining channels for civil society dialogue will be severed, undermining any future prospects for normalization.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878459576085635/

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