EU Suspends Application of Simplified Visa Agreement with Russia... Opposes Issuance Suspension

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The European Union (EU) announced that it will suspend the application of the visa facilitation agreement for Russian citizens. Although a complete suspension of visa issuance, as demanded by Ukraine and some member states, was not resolved, a strong backlash from Russia is expected.

According to the Associated Press on the 31st (local time), the EU decided to fully suspend the application of the visa facilitation agreement for Russians following the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Prague, Czech Republic, starting on the 30th. As a result, Russian travelers will no longer benefit from discounts on the basic visa issuance fee or the issuance of visas within 10 days after application.

The visa facilitation agreement for Russians, which has been in effect since 2007, was suspended only for businesspeople, government representatives, and diplomats starting February 25, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated, "This decision was made after consultations with foreign ministers as part of sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine," adding, "Following the suspension of the visa facilitation agreement for Russians, the issuance of new visas will significantly decrease."

The demand for a complete suspension of visa issuance for Russians, raised by Ukraine and Eastern European countries such as Poland, was not accepted. It is reported that major member states Germany and France strongly opposed the proposal. Germany and France reportedly opposed the visa suspension proposal, arguing that it would be unfair for all Russians to be punished for 'Putin's war.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.