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The European Union closes the door to Russian deserters fleeing the partial mobilization decreed by Vladimir Putin for the war in Ukraine. Brussels has recommended this Friday tighten security controls for any Russian citizen who wants to enter EU territory with a short-term visa. The team of Ursula von der Leyen It thus aligns itself with the countries that claimed a hard line against the Russians, such as Poland or the Baltic countries.
“The European Union is and will always remain a place of asylum. But this is now first and foremost a security issue.. Greater scrutiny on visa issuance and stricter border controls will ensure that we protect ourselves and preserve our unity,” said Commission Vice-President Schina’s Margaritis.
The treatment of Russian defectors had initially divided EU countries. Faced with the firmness of Poland and the Baltics, other countries such as Germany were betting on a more open policy for humanitarian reasons, but also to undermine the Kremlin’s war effort. Also the President of the European Council, Charles Michael, had defended opening the doors of the EU to fleeing Russians.
Finally, Brussels has prioritized security considerations. In fact, the Commissioner for the Interior, the Swedish ylva johanssonhas placed all the emphasis on the “serious security threat” suffered by the EU: the war in Ukraine, the partial mobilization decreed by the Kremlin, the illegal annexation by Moscow of four Ukrainian regions or the sabotage of the Nord gas pipelines Stream 1 and 2.
The European Union has already suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Russia, but now it will give another twist. Any visa application by a Russian citizen will be met with a deeper safety assessment.
Also, Visas will not be granted to Russian defectors who intend to stay in the EU for more than 90 days: They will have to opt for alternative routes, such as long-term visas or residence permits, which are national competence. Or for requesting asylum, in which case each file will be studied individually.
“It is important not to mix the right to obtain a tourist visa, which is not a fundamental right, it is a privilege, with the right to asylum, which is a fundamental right,” says Johansson.
The commissioner has recalled that the possession of a visa is not enough to enter the Schengen area. Border Member States may refuse entry also on security grounds. Finally, Brussels recommends to the Member States reassess or even revoke long-stay visas already granted to Russian citizenstaking into account the new security situation.
“The security threat is real. The EU will protect itself and our citizens. We want to ensure a consistent and united approach at the EU’s external borders towards Russian citizens and also when it comes to applying high standards on the issuance of short-stay visas for Russian citizens. At the same time, Europe will not close its doors to those who really need protection,” insisted Johansson.
