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EU suspends visa facilitation agreement with Russia

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, announced that the European Union will suspend a visa facilitation agreement signed with Moscow in 2007.

The EU foreign ministers meet in Prague on Wednesday for an informal Council session.

Along with the Baltic states, Poland and Denmark have voiced support for legislation that would prohibit Russian tourists from visiting Europe for leisure purposes. However, the idea is expected to be rejected, particularly because of Germany’s opposition. Luxembourg is also opposed to the visa ban.

On Wednesday, Luxembourg’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn stressed the importance of “targeted sanctions”. Otherwise, the EU would “send a completely wrong message” and insinuate that it “doesn’t want anything to do with people from Russia”. Instead, Asselborn believes that the EU should stay in contact with Russians who wish to visit Europe. According to Asselborn, the majority of them are “students or other people with diplomas who want to leave the country.”

The Minister argues that a visa ban will only make matters worse for these people.

Germany also demands that Russian citizens seeking protection must have the opportunity to “breathe the air of freedom in the EU”. Students, artists, scientists, and independent workers must be allowed to enter the EU. Greece and Cyprus rejected a visa ban early on because of economic reasons.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskow already condemned the proposals as an “anti-Russian agenda”.

Prior to the meeting, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, had urged member states to reach an agreement and adopt a common European position on the visa dispute. Borrell emphasised that Europe cannot afford to be split. The High Representative also stated that the EU should begin to consider its future relations with Russia.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn stated in Prague that resuming diplomatic relations must be possible.

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