EU Toughens Travel Rules for Russians But Avoids Visa Ban
European foreign ministers agreed after a heated debate on Wed. to suspend a 2007 agreement with Russia that makes it easier for Russian citizens to obtain tourist visas to travel to the EU
Facts
- European foreign ministers agreed after a heated debate on Wed. to suspend a 2007 agreement with Russia that makes it easier for Russian citizens to obtain tourist visas to travel to the EU but stopped short of agreeing on the EU-wide visa ban that Ukraine and EU several member states had called for.
- There was not enough support for a blanket ban, and it is still unclear what impact unilateral measures already taken by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland would do to restrict access to Russian visitors. Finland has already cut Russian visas by 90%.
- By suspending the previous 2007 agreement, the EU will make it much more time-consuming and expensive for Russians to obtain short-term visas to enter Europe's passport-free travel zone.
- The EU has already issued an estimated 12M visas to Russian citizens. Students, journalists, and those who fear for their safety in Russia would still be able to acquire visas.
- On Mon., EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he opposed the total ban against Russian citizens, arguing the bloc needed to be more selective and leave the door open for those attempting to flee. Since the beginning of the war in Feb. 2022, as many as 300K Russians have fled their country.
Sources: BBC News, Associated Press, Euro, Reuters, and Politico.
Narratives
- Anti-Russia narrative, as provided by Associated Press. The move to restrict Russian visas is good, but not enough. The EU must immediately ramp up the socio-political cost of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. A total visa ban would send a clear signal to Moscow that it is not okay for Russians to travel for leisure and shopping as if no war were raging in Ukraine.
- Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by Reuters. Brussels has once again shot itself in the foot. Restricting the movement of Russian citizens in Europe is regrettable and is a move that will not stand without far-reaching consequences. The EU can expect Russian countermeasures for this unfair action.
