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European Commission proposes full suspension of Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia
KYIV. Sept 6 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The European Commission has proposed to fully suspend the EU’s Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia.
"A country like Russia, waging a war of aggression, should not qualify for visa facilitations as long as it continues conducting its destructive foreign policy and military aggression towards Ukraine, demonstrating a complete disregard to the international rules-based order," reads the press release posted in the website of the European Commission on Tuesday.
According to it, Russian citizens will no longer enjoy privileged access to the EU and face a lengthier, more expensive and more difficult visa application process. Member States will have wide discretion in processing short-stay visa applications from Russian citizens, and will be able to ensure greater scrutiny in respect of Russian nationals travelling to the EU. The EU will remain open to certain categories of Russian visa applicants travelling for essential purposes, including notably family members of EU citizens, journalists, dissidents and civil society representatives.
The European Commission also presented a proposal on the non-recognition of Russian passports issued in occupied areas of Ukraine.
In practice, Russian applicants will face a higher visa fee, which will increase from EUR 35 to EUR 80 for all applicants. The processing time will increase. The standard deadline for consulates to take a decision on visa applications will increase from 10 to 15 days. This period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 days in individual cases, when further scrutiny of the application is needed.
In addition, more restrictive rules on multiple-entry visas will be introduced. Applicants will no longer have easy access to visas valid for multiple entries to the Schengen area. A longer list of supporting documents will be required, the European Commission said.
It is now for the Council to examine and adopt the proposal to suspend the Visa Facilitation Agreement. Once adopted, the suspension will enter into force on the second day following its publication in the EU Official Journal.