Berlin argued that the bloc should instead cancel its Moscow visa deal.
The EU could suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Moscow instead of shutting out Russians completely, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has suggested ahead of the bloc’s meeting on the issue in Prague.
Her proposal was deemed unacceptable by the minister “bridge”There is a difference between EU citizens who insist on a complete ban on visas and EU citizens who are open to it. “carry on as … if nothing has happened.” “I believe that we can find a good solution in Prague,”On Tuesday, she spoke at a German Government meeting. According to German media, her plan could see the suspension of multi-year and multiple entry visas.
In 2007, Russia signed the visa facilitation accord with the EU. The agreement permits Russians to file visa applications with fewer documents and pay less fees. This also speeds up the process. The bloc has suspended visa facilitation only for diplomats and business travelers.
Nations that are proud of their nation “particularly affected” could also examine Russian applicants’ travel purposes “very carefully,”The minister stated. She also stated that she believed the new visa policy was necessary. “continue to allow people-to-people contacts in the EU with Russian nationals who are not associated with the Russian government.”
Learn more
EU takes a stand on Russian visa restrictions
According to Baerbock, especially scientists, students and artists should be permitted entry into the EU. The most extreme EU supporters of Ukraine have called for a complete ban on Russian visas, except for humanitarian reasons.
The measure is touted as a proportionate response to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and the failure of its people to oppose their government’s policies. Estonia claims that banishing Russians from entering their country is necessary to ensure national security.
In addition to Germany, France has also advocated a less restrictive approach, arguing that a collective punishment of the Russian people would only alienate them from the West and boost domestic support of the country’s government.
It is anticipated that the EU will make a decision about this issue by August 31.
