Since the partial mobilization in Russia, many Russians have sought salvation by fleeing. After some EU states no longer issue visas for tourists, the EU Commission is now also advising on tightened allocation procedures.
In dealing with Russian conscientious objectors and other Russians who want to enter the European Union, the EU Commission is focusing on possible security risks. Against this background, the Brussels authorities recommended that the EU states further restrict their visa allocation. “We are in a serious situation in terms of security threats,” said EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson. She referred, for example, to the partial Russian mobilization, the annexation of Ukrainian territories and Moscow’s recent threats.
As requested by the EU states, the Swede presented updated guidelines for issuing visas to Russians. According to Johansson, the EU states should examine possible security risks when issuing visas to Russians even more thoroughly than before. Because of the partial mobilization, many Russians would leave the country. If a Russian wants to stay longer than 90 days in the EU, he should be denied a Schengen visa. Instead, they can apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit. In addition, it should no longer be possible for Russians to apply for a short-term visa in a neighboring country such as Georgia.
There should be no such restrictions for dissidents or journalists. Nor should the right to apply for asylum be restricted. Johansson also emphasized that existing visas can still be revoked in the event of a possible threat.
After Russia last week announced partial mobilization in the war against Ukraine, a debate erupted in the EU over whether conscientious objectors should be admitted. Although the EU states are pushing for a common line, their positions are sometimes far apart. The federal government promised deserters asylum. The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Poland and Slovakia, for example, reject their admission and refer to both security and moral reasons.
The Baltic States and Poland already keep their borders closed to Russians with Schengen visas for tourist stays, sporting and cultural events and business trips. Finland introduced a similar rule on Friday night. According to the EU border protection agency Frontex, the number of Russians who entered the EU last week rose by 30 percent on a weekly basis to 66,000. Most of them entered Finland and Estonia.
