Borrell rejects the total ban on the entry of Russians into the European Union

BRUSSELS, 29 Aug. (DPA/EP) –

The High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, stated this Sunday night that a total ban on the entry of Russians into the bloc “is not a good idea”, after announcements by member states that they are preparing the suspension of visas with Moscow.

“I am not in favor of stopping giving visas to all Russians,” Borrell said in an interview with the Austrian radio station ORF, because he considers that “cutting off contact with Russian civilians” would not have “positive results.”

The head of European diplomacy has indicated that this measure, which involves a total ban, would not achieve the necessary unanimity among the members of the EU.

However, Borrell has pointed out that it is necessary to review some visa processes for certain groups of Russians. “We have to be selective,” she mentioned.

For this, the foreign ministers of the different member states will meet next week, he announced, after suggesting that the solution would be “a balanced approach”.

The idea of ​​​​restricting the entry of Russian tourists has arisen after the countries saw that they spent their vacations in the old continent, since a visa issued by any country of the Union allows access to the 26 members that are part of the Schengen area. .

The Czech Republic, Finland and Estonia, after imposing their own visa restrictions, have pushed for a Community decision. However, Germany and the Commission have called for caution. Critics have also raised humanitarian concerns.