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The European Union will suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia. It's an acceptable solution, but it could still be even tougher.
About this Channel 24Petras Auštrevičius, a member of the European Parliament from Lithuania, told. According to him, the abolition of the simplified visa regime is a clear signal to the Russians. Now it will be more difficult for them to get visas, and they will rise in price a little. However, there are still certain loopholes that allow them to enter certain states.
Another decision should have been made
According to Auštrevičius, this is not enough tough decision in relation to the Russians. Despite the fact that visas will now cost 80 euros and take longer, this still will not completely stop Russian tourists from traveling to Greece, Spain or Italy. Therefore, he considers this solution acceptable, but not good enough.
Russia uses various hybrid means of influence, including the energy war. And we still smile and think that we will not be directly affected by this. This is self-deception. This decision, as it is called the “Brussels Compromise”, clearly shows that there is still no final turning point in the thinking of European politicians. Auštrevičius noted.
The Baltic States and Poland close entry for Russians
According to Auštrevičius, the decision to ban the entry of Russians with Schengen visas is a reaction to all the atrocities that the Russian military is committing against Ukrainians. He is convinced that this initiative can be very practical.
Given the “closed skies” for Russian aircraft, it will be more profitable for some Russians to travel by car to Europe. But now they will not be able to cross the border with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
There will be more attempts to cross the Belarusian-Lithuanian border on cars with Russian numbers. This solution can be very practical. We have already confirmed that we will use these measures from 19 September. This is a certain border, the MEP from Lithuania emphasized.
Recall that from September 19, Russians will not be able to enter the Baltic countries and Poland with Schengen visas. The ban will even apply if the occupiers have received Schengen in third countries.
Despite this, some Russians will be able to get into these states – if they go to relatives or come for humanitarian reasons.
