People who regularly visit Spain know that in case of any incident they need to urgently contact the Russian Embassy in Madrid or the Consulate in Barcelona. They will help here in difficult life situations, give valuable advice. You will know that you are not alone, as one of the duties of the embassy is to guarantee the rights of Russian citizens.
History reference
Spain has not had diplomatic relations for a long time with the Soviet Union (not to be confused with Russian empire). They were installed only in 1933. After General Franco came to power and a civil war broke out in Spain, diplomatic relations were again broken. This happened in 1939. The death of Franco led to the fact that relations began to improve, and in 1977 an exchange of credentials took place.
An interesting fact: despite the 300-year history of relations between the Russian state, the subsequent Soviet Union, and Spain, embassies, missions, diplomatic missions did not have their own building in the capital, all the premises were leased. Only after the restoration of relations the issue began to be resolved. Almost in the center of Madrid, the Soviet Union acquired an area of 1.35 hectares. The construction of the embassy of the USSR in Spain began.
The then Foreign Minister, A. A. Gromyko, commissioned the artist I. Glazunov to design the building, and the Soviet architect A. Polikarpov was to provide the architectural solution. A complex of snow-white buildings was built, which included many objects. Construction was accompanied by certain difficulties and lasted 6 years. This was the last diplomatic mission of the Soviet state, since the facility went into operation in 1991.
The complex includes administrative, representative buildings, as well as premises for families of staff. All this makes up one building. The consular department is located in a detached house. The territory of the embassy also has a number of other facilities necessary for the normal functioning of workers, these include a swimming pool, playgrounds for children and sports. Particular attention was paid to the representative department, the building of which faces the street, inside its interior is decorated with murals by artist I. Glazunov.
The main tasks of the embassy
The Russian Embassy in Spain, like any other, performs many tasks, the main of which is maintaining official relations between the countries. Not only diplomats work here, but also employees of other specialties. The consular department deals with the issues of Russian citizens located in Spain, and also works with Spanish citizens who want to visit Russia.
The main function of the consular department, which is part of the Russian Embassy in Spain (Madrid), is to resolve any issues and problems of citizens stipulated by the framework of existing legislation. This is the execution of documents (notarized copies, passports, certificates), the issuance of visas for entry into Russia to foreign citizens, as well as emergency assistance in case of loss of documents, a threat to the health and life of Russian citizens.
Consulate and its tasks
Just do not confuse the consular department with the consulate, which deals exclusively with local authorities, as well as citizens' appeals regarding visas, passports, certificates, notarized copies and so on. In the city where there is an embassy, there is no consulate. It is created in another city by agreement with the government and solely in order to simplify the treatment of citizens. The embassy is engaged in foreign policy issues, relations between countries, work with citizens is only part of its functions. The Russian Embassy in Spain is located in Madrid, and the Consulate General of Russia is located in Barcelona.
When to contact
The embassy has a special hotline where you can call the embassy or consulate. Citizens of Russia can contact the Russian Embassy in Spain in case of emergency if they lose their documents, for this you must first contact the police and write a statement, take a certificate and bring it to the embassy, where temporary documents will be issued with which you can fly directly to Russia. You can also call when there is a threat to life or health.
