Eu To Suspend Visa Deal With Russia But Not Ban Russian Tourists

Comment European Union countries have reached a political agreement to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, making it more difficult and expensive for Russian tourists to obtain visas, but the move is far from the blanket ban some leaders are calling for. The compromise decision, reached at a meeting of ministers in Prague on Wednesday, comes after weeks of calls by Ukrainian officials and some EU leaders for a ban. Although the 27-member bloc has already banned Russian flights from EU airspace and sanctioned more than 1,000 people linked to the war, the tourism issue is hotly contested, highlighting an enduring divide over how to respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In announcing the agreement, officials noted that countries could take additional measures at the national level. Ahead of the meeting, the five EU countries that share a land border with Russia — Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — said they would take action if the EU did not. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some EU leaders have argued that limiting Russian visitors would strengthen the bloc’s sanctions, improve security and send a message to Russians about the costs of a full-scale invasion. Opponents, including Germany and France, say a blanket ban would unfairly punish all Russians. They worry that the visa restriction would prevent Kremlin critics from escaping. And they worry that a ban would play into Putin’s hands, lending credence to his claims of Western Russophobia. Ban Russian tourists? The EU is divided over visa restrictions. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Wednesday that the surge in tourists from Russia had convinced member states that something had to be done. “We have seen many Russians traveling for leisure and shopping as if there was no war raging in Ukraine,” he told reporters in Prague. The suspension will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued, Borrell said. “It will be more difficult, it will be a longer process. Consequently, the number of new visitors will be significantly reduced.” A complete suspension of the 2007 visa facilitation agreement, which was partially suspended at the start of the war, will mean waiting times and costs are likely to increase for Russian tourists. The cost will reportedly jump from 35 euros to 80 euros (about the same in dollars). But the holidays, for many, can go on. Countries seeking a full or near-total ban see the suspension of the facilitation agreement as a first step, but will push hard for additional measures at the EU level. With the flight ban, most Russian tourists drive to neighboring countries, particularly Finland and Estonia. From there, they can travel anywhere in the 26-country visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that in the absence of an EU-level solution, Russia’s neighbors might work together to reduce the number of tourists entering the bloc. In a joint statement released ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that until the European Commission proposed measures to “decisively reduce” the number of Russians entering the EU and the Schengen areas, will consider taking “temporary measures”. in national level. These measures should include exemptions for “dissidents as well as other humanitarian cases,” the statement said. Lithuania is among several countries, including Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic, that have stopped issuing most short-stay visas to Russian citizens. Estonia has said it will cancel short-stay visas issued in the past. Latvia requires Russian travelers entering on existing visas to sign statements opposing the war with Ukraine — an idea also voiced by Landsbergis. Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, announced it would cut the number of visas granted to Russians by 90 percent starting this week. Calls for EU visa ban on Russians grow, but not all Ukrainians agree Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, remain focused on more restrictive measures. “Let them live in their own world until they change their philosophy,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Washington Post this month. “This is the only way to influence Putin.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Wednesday that “EU trips had zero transformative effect on Russia.” “Since visa facilitation in 2007, Moscow has attacked Georgia, launched a war in Ukraine, committed many crimes – all with overwhelming popular support,” he continued. “To transform Russia, close the door to Russian tourists.”

War in Ukraine: What you need to know

The last: Grain shipments from Ukraine are being accelerated under the agreement reached by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations in July. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports had sent food prices skyrocketing and raised fears of more famine in the Middle East and Africa. At least 18 ships, including cargoes of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, have departed. The battle: The conflict on the ground continues as Russia uses its heavy artillery advantage to pound Ukrainian forces, which have at times managed to put up stiff resistance. In the south, Ukraine’s hopes rest on the liberation of the Russian-held Kherson region, and eventually Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014. Fears of disaster at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain as both sides accuse each other of bombing it. . The weapons: Western arms supplies are helping Ukraine slow Russian advances. US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Missile Systems (HIMARS) allow Ukrainian forces to strike further behind Russian lines against Russian artillery. Russia has used a range of weapons against Ukraine, some of which have drawn the attention and concern of analysts. Photos: Washington Post photographers have been on the ground since the start of the war — here are some of their strongest works. How you can help: Here are ways those in the US can help support the Ukrainian people as well as the donations people have made around the world. Read his full coverage Russia-Ukraine crisis. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video.

title: “Eu To Suspend Visa Deal With Russia But Not Ban Russian Tourists Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-30” author: “Arnold Larkey”

Comment European Union countries have reached a political agreement to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, making it more difficult and expensive for Russian tourists to obtain visas, but the move is far from the blanket ban some leaders are calling for. The compromise decision, reached at a meeting of ministers in Prague on Wednesday, comes after weeks of calls by Ukrainian officials and some EU leaders for a ban. Although the 27-member bloc has already banned Russian flights from EU airspace and sanctioned more than 1,000 people linked to the war, the tourism issue is hotly contested, highlighting an enduring divide over how to respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In announcing the agreement, officials noted that countries could take additional measures at the national level. Ahead of the meeting, the five EU countries that share a land border with Russia — Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — said they would take action if the EU did not. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some EU leaders have argued that limiting Russian visitors would strengthen the bloc’s sanctions, improve security and send a message to Russians about the costs of a full-scale invasion. Opponents, including Germany and France, say a blanket ban would unfairly punish all Russians. They worry that the visa restriction would prevent Kremlin critics from escaping. And they worry that a ban would play into Putin’s hands, lending credence to his claims of Western Russophobia. Ban Russian tourists? The EU is divided over visa restrictions. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Wednesday that the surge in tourists from Russia had convinced member states that something had to be done. “We have seen many Russians traveling for leisure and shopping as if there was no war raging in Ukraine,” he told reporters in Prague. The suspension will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued, Borrell said. “It will be more difficult, it will be a longer process. Consequently, the number of new visitors will be significantly reduced.” A complete suspension of the 2007 visa facilitation agreement, which was partially suspended at the start of the war, will mean waiting times and costs are likely to increase for Russian tourists. The cost will reportedly jump from 35 euros to 80 euros (about the same in dollars). But the holidays, for many, can go on. Countries seeking a full or near-total ban see the suspension of the facilitation agreement as a first step, but will push hard for additional measures at the EU level. With the flight ban, most Russian tourists drive to neighboring countries, particularly Finland and Estonia. From there, they can travel anywhere in the 26-country visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that in the absence of an EU-level solution, Russia’s neighbors might work together to reduce the number of tourists entering the bloc. In a joint statement released ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that until the European Commission proposed measures to “decisively reduce” the number of Russians entering the EU and the Schengen areas, will consider taking “temporary measures”. in national level. These measures should include exemptions for “dissidents as well as other humanitarian cases,” the statement said. Lithuania is among several countries, including Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic, that have stopped issuing most short-stay visas to Russian citizens. Estonia has said it will cancel short-stay visas issued in the past. Latvia requires Russian travelers entering on existing visas to sign statements opposing the war with Ukraine — an idea also voiced by Landsbergis. Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, announced it would cut the number of visas granted to Russians by 90 percent starting this week. Calls for EU visa ban on Russians grow, but not all Ukrainians agree Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, remain focused on more restrictive measures. “Let them live in their own world until they change their philosophy,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Washington Post this month. “This is the only way to influence Putin.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Wednesday that “EU trips had zero transformative effect on Russia.” “Since visa facilitation in 2007, Moscow has attacked Georgia, launched a war in Ukraine, committed many crimes – all with overwhelming popular support,” he continued. “To transform Russia, close the door to Russian tourists.”

War in Ukraine: What you need to know

The last: Grain shipments from Ukraine are being accelerated under the agreement reached by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations in July. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports had sent food prices skyrocketing and raised fears of more famine in the Middle East and Africa. At least 18 ships, including cargoes of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, have departed. The battle: The conflict on the ground continues as Russia uses its heavy artillery advantage to pound Ukrainian forces, which have at times managed to put up stiff resistance. In the south, Ukraine’s hopes rest on the liberation of the Russian-held Kherson region, and eventually Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014. Fears of disaster at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain as both sides accuse each other of bombing it. . The weapons: Western arms supplies are helping Ukraine slow Russian advances. US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Missile Systems (HIMARS) allow Ukrainian forces to strike further behind Russian lines against Russian artillery. Russia has used a range of weapons against Ukraine, some of which have drawn the attention and concern of analysts. Photos: Washington Post photographers have been on the ground since the start of the war — here are some of their strongest works. How you can help: Here are ways those in the US can help support the Ukrainian people as well as the donations people have made around the world. Read his full coverage Russia-Ukraine crisis. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video.

title: “Eu To Suspend Visa Deal With Russia But Not Ban Russian Tourists Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-08” author: “Kenneth Hawkins”

Comment European Union countries have reached a political agreement to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, making it more difficult and expensive for Russian tourists to obtain visas, but the move is far from the blanket ban some leaders are calling for. The compromise decision, reached at a meeting of ministers in Prague on Wednesday, comes after weeks of calls by Ukrainian officials and some EU leaders for a ban. Although the 27-member bloc has already banned Russian flights from EU airspace and sanctioned more than 1,000 people linked to the war, the tourism issue is hotly contested, highlighting an enduring divide over how to respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In announcing the agreement, officials noted that countries could take additional measures at the national level. Ahead of the meeting, the five EU countries that share a land border with Russia — Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — said they would take action if the EU did not. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some EU leaders have argued that limiting Russian visitors would strengthen the bloc’s sanctions, improve security and send a message to Russians about the costs of a full-scale invasion. Opponents, including Germany and France, say a blanket ban would unfairly punish all Russians. They worry that the visa restriction would prevent Kremlin critics from escaping. And they worry that a ban would play into Putin’s hands, lending credence to his claims of Western Russophobia. Ban Russian tourists? The EU is divided over visa restrictions. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Wednesday that the surge in tourists from Russia had convinced member states that something had to be done. “We have seen many Russians traveling for leisure and shopping as if there was no war raging in Ukraine,” he told reporters in Prague. The suspension will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued, Borrell said. “It will be more difficult, it will be a longer process. Consequently, the number of new visitors will be significantly reduced.” A complete suspension of the 2007 visa facilitation agreement, which was partially suspended at the start of the war, will mean waiting times and costs are likely to increase for Russian tourists. The cost will reportedly jump from 35 euros to 80 euros (about the same in dollars). But the holidays, for many, can go on. Countries seeking a full or near-total ban see the suspension of the facilitation agreement as a first step, but will push hard for additional measures at the EU level. With the flight ban, most Russian tourists drive to neighboring countries, particularly Finland and Estonia. From there, they can travel anywhere in the 26-country visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that in the absence of an EU-level solution, Russia’s neighbors might work together to reduce the number of tourists entering the bloc. In a joint statement released ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that until the European Commission proposed measures to “decisively reduce” the number of Russians entering the EU and the Schengen areas, will consider taking “temporary measures”. in national level. These measures should include exemptions for “dissidents as well as other humanitarian cases,” the statement said. Lithuania is among several countries, including Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic, that have stopped issuing most short-stay visas to Russian citizens. Estonia has said it will cancel short-stay visas issued in the past. Latvia requires Russian travelers entering on existing visas to sign statements opposing the war with Ukraine — an idea also voiced by Landsbergis. Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, announced it would cut the number of visas granted to Russians by 90 percent starting this week. Calls for EU visa ban on Russians grow, but not all Ukrainians agree Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, remain focused on more restrictive measures. “Let them live in their own world until they change their philosophy,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Washington Post this month. “This is the only way to influence Putin.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Wednesday that “EU trips had zero transformative effect on Russia.” “Since visa facilitation in 2007, Moscow has attacked Georgia, launched a war in Ukraine, committed many crimes – all with overwhelming popular support,” he continued. “To transform Russia, close the door to Russian tourists.”

War in Ukraine: What you need to know

The last: Grain shipments from Ukraine are being accelerated under the agreement reached by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations in July. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports had sent food prices skyrocketing and raised fears of more famine in the Middle East and Africa. At least 18 ships, including cargoes of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, have departed. The battle: The conflict on the ground continues as Russia uses its heavy artillery advantage to pound Ukrainian forces, which have at times managed to put up stiff resistance. In the south, Ukraine’s hopes rest on the liberation of the Russian-held Kherson region, and eventually Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014. Fears of disaster at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain as both sides accuse each other of bombing it. . The weapons: Western arms supplies are helping Ukraine slow Russian advances. US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Missile Systems (HIMARS) allow Ukrainian forces to strike further behind Russian lines against Russian artillery. Russia has used a range of weapons against Ukraine, some of which have drawn the attention and concern of analysts. Photos: Washington Post photographers have been on the ground since the start of the war — here are some of their strongest works. How you can help: Here are ways those in the US can help support the Ukrainian people as well as the donations people have made around the world. Read his full coverage Russia-Ukraine crisis. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video.

title: “Eu To Suspend Visa Deal With Russia But Not Ban Russian Tourists Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-14” author: “Laura Suggs”

Comment European Union countries have reached a political agreement to suspend a visa facilitation agreement with Russia, making it more difficult and expensive for Russian tourists to obtain visas, but the move is far from the blanket ban some leaders are calling for. The compromise decision, reached at a meeting of ministers in Prague on Wednesday, comes after weeks of calls by Ukrainian officials and some EU leaders for a ban. Although the 27-member bloc has already banned Russian flights from EU airspace and sanctioned more than 1,000 people linked to the war, the tourism issue is hotly contested, highlighting an enduring divide over how to respond to Russia’s war in Ukraine. In announcing the agreement, officials noted that countries could take additional measures at the national level. Ahead of the meeting, the five EU countries that share a land border with Russia — Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — said they would take action if the EU did not. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some EU leaders have argued that limiting Russian visitors would strengthen the bloc’s sanctions, improve security and send a message to Russians about the costs of a full-scale invasion. Opponents, including Germany and France, say a blanket ban would unfairly punish all Russians. They worry that the visa restriction would prevent Kremlin critics from escaping. And they worry that a ban would play into Putin’s hands, lending credence to his claims of Western Russophobia. Ban Russian tourists? The EU is divided over visa restrictions. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Wednesday that the surge in tourists from Russia had convinced member states that something had to be done. “We have seen many Russians traveling for leisure and shopping as if there was no war raging in Ukraine,” he told reporters in Prague. The suspension will significantly reduce the number of new visas issued, Borrell said. “It will be more difficult, it will be a longer process. Consequently, the number of new visitors will be significantly reduced.” A complete suspension of the 2007 visa facilitation agreement, which was partially suspended at the start of the war, will mean waiting times and costs are likely to increase for Russian tourists. The cost will reportedly jump from 35 euros to 80 euros (about the same in dollars). But the holidays, for many, can go on. Countries seeking a full or near-total ban see the suspension of the facilitation agreement as a first step, but will push hard for additional measures at the EU level. With the flight ban, most Russian tourists drive to neighboring countries, particularly Finland and Estonia. From there, they can travel anywhere in the 26-country visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that in the absence of an EU-level solution, Russia’s neighbors might work together to reduce the number of tourists entering the bloc. In a joint statement released ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that until the European Commission proposed measures to “decisively reduce” the number of Russians entering the EU and the Schengen areas, will consider taking “temporary measures”. in national level. These measures should include exemptions for “dissidents as well as other humanitarian cases,” the statement said. Lithuania is among several countries, including Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic, that have stopped issuing most short-stay visas to Russian citizens. Estonia has said it will cancel short-stay visas issued in the past. Latvia requires Russian travelers entering on existing visas to sign statements opposing the war with Ukraine — an idea also voiced by Landsbergis. Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, announced it would cut the number of visas granted to Russians by 90 percent starting this week. Calls for EU visa ban on Russians grow, but not all Ukrainians agree Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, remain focused on more restrictive measures. “Let them live in their own world until they change their philosophy,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Washington Post this month. “This is the only way to influence Putin.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted on Wednesday that “EU trips had zero transformative effect on Russia.” “Since visa facilitation in 2007, Moscow has attacked Georgia, launched a war in Ukraine, committed many crimes – all with overwhelming popular support,” he continued. “To transform Russia, close the door to Russian tourists.”

War in Ukraine: What you need to know

The last: Grain shipments from Ukraine are being accelerated under the agreement reached by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations in July. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports had sent food prices skyrocketing and raised fears of more famine in the Middle East and Africa. At least 18 ships, including cargoes of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, have departed. The battle: The conflict on the ground continues as Russia uses its heavy artillery advantage to pound Ukrainian forces, which have at times managed to put up stiff resistance. In the south, Ukraine’s hopes rest on the liberation of the Russian-held Kherson region, and eventually Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014. Fears of disaster at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remain as both sides accuse each other of bombing it. . The weapons: Western arms supplies are helping Ukraine slow Russian advances. US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Missile Systems (HIMARS) allow Ukrainian forces to strike further behind Russian lines against Russian artillery. Russia has used a range of weapons against Ukraine, some of which have drawn the attention and concern of analysts. Photos: Washington Post photographers have been on the ground since the start of the war — here are some of their strongest works. How you can help: Here are ways those in the US can help support the Ukrainian people as well as the donations people have made around the world. Read his full coverage Russia-Ukraine crisis. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video.