Compromise –
An agreement has thus been reached that keeps alive European unity, considered an essential value but seen by the intransigent as only “a first step”.
“We don’t want to close with civil society”
– “We do not want to completely separate from Russian civil society, especially from those opposed to the war in Ukraine,” stressed EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, highlighting the results achieved after the negotiations.
“However, several Member States believe that under the conditions it is not possible to continue working as usual – Borrell explained –. In addition, since mid-July we have been observing an increase in cross-border traffic from Russia, and all this poses a security risk. Villages”.
Ok to “national measures” –
Therefore, the “hawks”, i.e. the Baltic states, Poland and Finland, can introduce “national measures” to restrict entry at the borders, but “in accordance with the Schengen code”. And it’s a nice bazooka, because the stop for direct flights to the EU, the rest on the alternative routes is very expensive, has made the land route the only viable option for many Russians.
Moscow: “The EU has shot itself in the foot, we will decide how to react”
– By deciding to suspend the deal on simplified visa issuance for Russian citizens, the EU “decided to shoot itself in the foot,” Moscow’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Ria Novosti, explaining that “the decision is not will remain without consequences Russia can take both symmetrical and asymmetrical measures.”
Kuleba: “Only half a size”
– According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the EU decision is “a half measure”. “Ukraine believes that only two categories of Russian citizens should be granted visas for Europe – the head of diplomacy in Kyiv clarifies. The first concession should be granted on humanitarian grounds such as medical treatment, family reunification or other reasons. The second for political reasons, that is, in relation to human rights activists, dissidents, journalists or people discriminated against or subjected to aggressive policies by the Putin government. If I had to choose between half action and no action, I would choose the second option and I would continue to negotiate to get to tougher decisions.”