The heads of foreign affairs of the EU countries reached a political agreement on the termination of the simplified visa regime with Russia against the background of the war against Ukraine. This was stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell on Twitter.
According to him, there is now a significant increase in the crossing of Russia's border with neighboring states, and this is becoming a security threat.
"That's why today we agreed with the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU on the complete suspension of the agreement on the simplification of the visa regime between the EU and Russia," Borrell said.
It is worth noting that in case of approval of such restrictions, the issuance of tourist Schengen visas to Russians will not be stopped. But the process of obtaining them will be longer, countries will refuse them more often, and the visa itself will be almost twice as expensive, as the fee will be raised from 35 to 80 euros.
We have seen a substantial increase of border crossings from Russia into neighboring states. This is becoming a security risk.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 31, 2022
We therefore agree today with EU Foreign Ministers on Full Suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement. pic.twitter.com/zdowgdOa8F
