Russian official: EU suspension of visas to be met with consequences

By Al Mayadeen
Source: Agencies
31 Aug 21:31

Moscow can respond with both symmetrical and asymmetric measures to the recently imposed ban on Russian visas in the EU, which are not expected in Brussels.

A welcome to European Union sign stand at the closed border crossing between Poland and Kaliningrad Oblast, in Goldap, Poland, Thursday, July 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Michal Dyjuk)

The decision of the EU to suspend the facilitated visa regime with Russia will not remain without consequences, Moscow can respond with both symmetrical and asymmetric measures, which are not expected in Brussels — if they decide to “shoot themselves in the foot” once again, then this is their choice, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told sources.

He added that "Violation, circumvention or withdrawal of the EU from the visa facilitation agreement with Russia will not remain without consequences. We ourselves will decide whether the measures will be symmetrical, asymmetric or some other that the EU does not expect. If Brussels decided to shoot itself in the foot — it's their choice."

“Having stopped air and other communications with Russia in order to deprive EU citizens of the opportunity to visit our country, work for us, who are they punishing? Wildness and shame for 'enlightened Europe.' The West jumped out of their pants to include a provision on freedom of movement in the Helsinki Final Act. The 'authoritarian USSR' agreed to this. As well as freedom of information. Now the EU is busy building fences," the senior diplomat added.

On Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that EU countries had reached a political agreement to completely suspend visa facilitation with Russia, but that certain categories of Russian citizens would still be able to obtain EU visas.

"This will allow for visas to be granted on an individual basis on a thorough statement on each individual case and especially for specific groups of people," Borrell said.

The EU top diplomat also said that the bloc's common approach will help to avoid circumvention of visa restrictions.

"It has been a long and constructive debate, some concerns have been raised about, not the new visas, not the flow of new visas being granted but … about the millions of existing visas and there was a common understanding that this also has to be addressed and this situation needs also a common approach, that's why we agreed to invite the Commission to look into this complex situation and provide guidelines," Borrell said.

We have seen a substantial increase of border crossings from Russia into neighbouring states. This is becoming a security risk.

We therefore agree today with EU Foreign Ministers on Full Suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement. pic.twitter.com/zdowgdOa8F
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 31, 2022