At least five countries want to block entry into the EU for Russians. We are talking about the eastern countries of the European Union, bordering on Russia. They may introduce “national measures” to reduce the number of Russian citizens entering their countries and the Schengen area unless Brussels makes a collective decision.
This is stated in a joint statement by Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, writes the Financial Times.
These countries are demanding that the European Commission propose “appropriate visa measures” that will “drastically reduce the flow of Russian citizens to the EU and the Schengen area.”
Until such measures are introduced at the EU level, we will consider establishing temporary measures at the national level to address the inevitable public safety concerns associated with the increased flow of Russian citizens across borders, they said.
Recall that about 700 thousand Russians have entered five countries since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
We believe this could pose a serious threat to public safety, the five countries said in a joint statement, which also noted the need to maintain “exceptions for dissidents as well as other humanitarian cases.”
The five countries said the suspension is a “necessary first step” but that won’t stop them from seeking stricter measures to reduce the number of Russians entering their countries.
Source: Racurs
