The European Council announced that it has fully suspended visa facilitation between the EU and Russia, thus reversing the agreement that served to simplify visa applications for Russian citizens.
The council, in a statement on its website on Friday, explained that the decision will entail increasing visa fees from €35 to €80 – more than double the initial agreement. More restrictive rules will also be implemented regarding multiple-entry visas.
“Today’s decision is a direct consequence of Russia’s actions and further proof of our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people,” said Vit Rakusan, Czech Interior Minister, in a statement.
The announcement is to be implemented as of Monday, next week.
Earlier this week, the European Union Commission supported a proposal put forward by EU foreign ministers to suspend visa facilitation to Russians.
EU states have also suggested banning Russian tourists altogether – however, that will cost the EU €21 billion in losses, which is why it did not go through. “By drawing an iron curtain around their countries, they punish themselves because of their own stupidity and ignorance,” said State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin on his official Telegram channel.
In early August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mused that the Russians should “live in their own world until they change their philosophy,” and urged the West to refuse entry to Russian tourists. Moscow responded by saying that such proposals would only have a negative effect on all involved and called the measure “discriminatory.”
Source: Agencies (editted by Al-Manar English Website)
