EU states to make separate decisions on issuing visas to Russians - European Commission

This is reported by European Pravda with reference to the words of the representative of the European Commission, Anitta Hipper.

When asked whether the European Commission supports the suspension of issuing tourist visas to Russians, she answered as follows:

"Due to Russia's illegal, unjustified aggression against Ukraine, primarily Ukraine, but also EU member states faced unprecedented challenges. I will not answer "yes" or "no" to your question, as we have already developed detailed recommendations to member states regarding the application of the decision on  partial restriction of the visa liberalization regime with Russia. It is within the competence of the member state to consider each application and reject it on the basis of a threat to public order or internal security".

In addition, Hipper reminded of another problem in the process of issuing visas to Russians.

"There is one more element that should be taken into account. It is the fact that many consulate employees have been expelled from Russia, which further complicates the process of processing visa applications for citizens of the Russian Federation", the representative of the European Commission said. 

At the same time, according to her, discussions on this matter are ongoing at the EU level with the member states.

The representative of the European Commission reminded that EU countries must fulfill their international obligations and ensure that there is always a category of people to whom visas are issued in any case: for humanitarian reasons, for family members of EU citizens, as well as for journalists or dissidents.