The European Union imposes severe restrictions on the provision of visas to Russians. EU officials are convinced that it is categorically impossible to trust the citizens of a state attacking another state.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson made several tough statements on September 9 about granting tourist visas to Russians. In particular, she stated that the opportunity to visit civilized countries is a privilege, not a right. Earlier, the Prime Minister of Estonia also spoke about this.
Complete freeze on tourist visas
According to Johansson, from the morning of next Monday, no one will be able to enter the European Union from Russia:
Only those persons who have undeniable humanitarian reasons or family members in the EU countries can enter the EU territory from Russia.
In the future, this right will also be granted to Russian journalists.
Today, September 9, the European Council was to adopt the proposal of the European Commissioner on a “complete freeze on tourist visas”.
The Baltic States are the main driver of the visa ban
Ilva Johansson visited Finland, where she met with Interior Minister Krista Mikkonen. The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that Russian tourism to Europe should be stopped and the EU countries should make a unanimous decision on this matter: EU sanctions policy is not acting smoothly.
Visa problems of Russians
Recall that today the government of Latvia has officially decided to ban Russian citizens from entering the territory of their country. It is expected that the same restriction will soon come into force in Lithuania, Estonia and Poland.
In addition, Russians complain that they are not allowed into Georgia en masse.
But most importantly, The EU today approved the complete suspension of the visa facilitation agreement with Russia.
