This is how European Commissioner Ylva Johansson commented on the decision to suspend the simplified visa regime with Russia. Brussels deprives Russians of this “privilege” because “there are no grounds for trust,” she explained jpg 673w” media=”(max-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), (max-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 192dpi)” >
Tourist trips to the EU countries are not are one of the fundamental human rights, European Commissioner Ylva Johansson said at a briefing. Therefore, the EU decided to completely stop the visa facilitation with Russia.
“Now there are no grounds for trust. There are no grounds for Russia's privileges from the European Union, — stressed Johansson.
She also said that the EU will soon introduce new rules on the refusal and annulment of visas. Now each individual country of the European Union will be able to refuse a Russian citizen a visa if he considers that this person threatens national interests or internal security. On the same grounds, it will be possible to revoke already issued entry documents. Priority will be given to people who have a good reason for traveling to Europe, and tourists will be considered last.
The decision to cancel visa facilitation means that that now the Russians will spend more money on the visa fee (€80 instead of €35) and wait longer for a decision on the application (the period will increase from ten to 45 days).
About the suspension of the agreement on the facilitated chapter procedure The EU Foreign Ministries agreed at an informal meeting in Prague at the end of August. They were unable to agree on tighter limits— a complete ban on the entry of tourists from Russia. The Ukrainian authorities, as well as representatives of some European countries, called for such a step. One of the main supporters of a complete ban was the Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who also stated that “visiting Europe— it is a privilege, not a human right».
Authors Tags