European Union countries Wednesday agreed to make it more difficult for Russian citizens to enter the 27-nation bloc, but they failed To find consensus on A complete tourist ban in In response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
in conversations in Czech Republic, the European Union foreign ministers were desperate to put on a show of Unity and Punishment of President Vladimir Putin for wage war over six months ago. However, they were unable to bridge the differences over Whether they are Russian citizens, some of They might oppose the invasion should also pay price.
The plan now is to make it happen more take a long time and costly for Russian citizens to get short-term Visas to Passport-Free Travel Zone in Europe – 26 Countries area made up of bone of Members of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland known as Schengen area.
The move This will be done by freezing the 2007 agreement to facilitate travel between Russia and Europe. European Union already Tightening visa restrictions on Russian officials and businessmen under the agreement in mayo.
Speaking after chairing the meeting in Czech capital Prague, foreign EU policy President Josep Borrell said that a growing number of The Russians are praying in Europe since mid-July, some”for Entertainment and shopping as if there is no war raging in Ukraine. “
He said, “It has become safe risk” for European countries On the border with Russia.
Borrell said he believes additional delays will occur result in Fewer visas are issued.
Students, journalists and these who afraid for they safety in Russia will still be able to acquire visas. The move It will not have an immediate effect on Estimated 12 million visas already They were issued to Russian citizens, but EU officials will look at what can be done to freeze them.
Description of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba move K half measures.” He said that visas should Exported only to Russians on for humanitarian reasons or for help those who They are clearly opposed to Putin’s war.
“the age of Hello in Europe overas well as age of half measures. Half measures is exactly what led to the large size invasion’ He said after the meeting. ‘If I had to choose between half Action and no action, I would prefer no action and continue the discussion until a solid solution is found found. “
Calls from Poland and the Baltic countries escalated countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania – but also Denmark for wider ban on Russian tourists. Foreign Ministers of Estonia and Latvia said they might move forward with More visa restrictions, citing national security concerns.
“we need to the slope immediately up The price Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Rensloo told reporters. “Loss of Time pushes blood of Ukrainians. “
Uniforms rules Supposed to apply via 26 countries This makes up Traveling without a passport in Europe areaBut Rensallo said, “He’s ours national Efficiency, by principle of national Security, to identify issues of Enter our soil.
Over the years, several countries Bring back the border controls for Security reasons in Schengen area in which Europeans and visitors can travel freely without identity verification.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs minister of Finland which shares The longest border of the European Union with Russia, stressed that his country will, as of Thursday, cut the number of Visas for Russian citizens are delivered up to 10% of Normal. They will only be able to apply for Travel pass in Four Russian cities.
“It is important that we do this show That at the same time Ukrainians are suffering, normal tourism should not continue business “As usual,” Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said. Finland has already made our decision Reduction amount of Tourist visas. We hope the whole European Union will do the same decisions. “
Ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod expressed the hope that a common The position of the European Union can be foundpointing to fact That most Ukrainians men They do not have the luxury to choose whether they can leave their war-torn country.
“It must have consequences on Kofod said. “we want to reduce visas for Russian tourists, send a clear signal For Putin, for Russia, (that’s) what he’s doing in Ukraine is totally unacceptable.”
but european countries Far beyond the borders of Russia and Ukraine are reluctant to go far.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hajja Lahbib said it was important to do so avoid creating Mixture system Where the Russians can do something of Shopping Visa between countries of European Union.”
“It is very important to target the right people. This is those who support This is an unjust war against Ukraine and also those who They tried to evade the sanctions we imposed.
