Brussels hopes to impose visa restrictions on Russian citizens from next week

Offer raises fee to get visa 35 to 80 Euros per person and extends Processing time at consulateswhat will happen Available 10 days to 15 days however, it could take up to a month and a half if the authorities deem a thorough investigation necessary. “With its illegal military actions, Russia continues to violate international law, commit atrocities against Ukrainians, and undermine European and global security and stability. These actions violate the fundamental principles under which the Visa Facilitation Agreement was signed and are against the interests of the EU and its Member States. The proposal demonstrates a strong and united response from the EU,” he said.

The plan, which now has to be formally approved by the Council (the governments of the Twenty-Seven) visas valid for multiple entries and an extension Required documents. “Russian citizens do not have easy access to the EU. Being a tourist in Europe is not a fundamental right” and “currently there is no basis for trust or a privileged relationship,” he said. deported by Kremlin dozens of diplomats European consulates and embassies. A fact that increases insecurity and reduces Member States’ ability to review visa applications.

occupied territories

At the same time, the European Commission recommended that travel documents issued by European Commission officials not be recognized, as Twenty-Seven agreed. occupied territories Ukraine. Russia continues to issue passports in the following regions Kherson and Zaporizhia. Brussels clearly states in its legislative proposal that Member States should not legally recognize these documents. valid travel documents providing access to the Schengen free movement area

The measure aims to avoid different reactions from different countries and according to the Community Executive there will be no criminal action. Ukrainians living in the occupied territories by Russian troops. That is, only occupied Ukrainians holding a Russian passport can enter the EU in certain circumstances. “Border authorities and consulates have a wide margin of appreciation when issuing visas and allowing persons who do not meet all conditions to enter the EU, even if the person does not have a valid passport,” the Commission said. authorities should consider humanitarian reasons, reasons of national interest and international obligations and always The “do not send back” policy.

In case of suspension of the visa agreement, the offer will enter into force two days after its publication in the official gazette. In the case of a proposal not to recognize passports issued in the occupied territories, Parliament and the Council will have to agree first. Visa facilitation agreement already signed Partially suspended at the end of February After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, entered into force in June 2007 It facilitates the issuance of visas for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. By September 1 of this year, some 963,000 Russians received visas for the Schengen free movement area. Brussels will also issue guidelines that will allow Twenty-Seven to reassess the situation in these situations.