Eastern EU countries may take “national measures” to reduce the number of Russians entering their countries. They also intend to limit the rules for entering the Schengen area.
Such actions will be taken if the European Union does not agree on a collective approach. The Portuguese Foreign Minister noted that the EU may allow countries bordering Russia to independently regulate the entry of its citizens.
Travel of Russians can be significantly limited
A general statement was made by Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Countries demanded that the European Commission propose “appropriate visa measures” that “will reduce the flow of Russian citizens to the EU and the Schengen area.”
Until restrictions are introduced at the EU level, countries are considering establishing temporary measures at the national level. This is necessary for public safety problems that may arise due to an increase in the flow of Russians across borders.
The EU visa was not canceled for Russians
- Ukraine demanded that the EU cancel tourist visas for citizens of the aggressor state. The day before, the media reported that the EU would terminate the visa facilitation agreement with Russia.
- A number of countries immediately announced that they would not issue visas to Russians. These are Estonia, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Latvia. However, this was opposed by France and Germany
- In the end, the EU could not agree on a ban on entry for Russians. However, countries have decided to suspend the simplified visa regime.
