Foreign ministers of the European Union countries have reached political agreements regarding the provision of Schengen visas for Russians: the simplified procedure for issuing visas will be completely suspended. Visas will be issued on a case-by-case basis, taking into account personal circumstances.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said this at a press conference after an informal meeting of the Council at the level of foreign ministers in Prague on Wednesday.

He said the European Union officials have seen a significant increase in border crossings from Russia to neighboring states since the middle of July, which has become a security risk factor for these neighboring states. In addition to this, they have seen many Russians travel for pleasure and shopping as if there is no war in Ukraine. Member states believe that we are no longer doing business as before, and this cannot be. They believe that more should be done. They agreed, politically, this is not a legislative text, but political agreement, they agreed that something must be done. First, a complete suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement. A complete suspension."

Borrell said that in this way it would significantly reduce the number of new visas issued by Member States. The High Representative said it will be a more difficult and longer process. The number of new visas will be significantly reduced. This is a collaborative approach that will prevent Russians from visa shopping, traveling back and forth.

However, he said there is a general understanding that this will allow visas to be granted on an individual basis, and especially for specific groups of people. Borrell does not want to cut themselves off from those Russians who are against the war in Ukraine, from Russian civil society.

The High Representative said the ministers agreed that passports issued by the Russian authorities in the occupied territories of Ukraine will not be recognized. There was a common understanding that this should also be resolved. This situation also needs a joint approach. Therefore, the EU agreed to invite the Commission to consider this difficult situation and provide directives.

In addition, the ministers also agreed that as the situation in neighboring countries becomes a challenge. The EU officials are aware that these countries can take measures at the national level to prohibit entry into the EU across their borders always in accordance with the Schengen EU code. Borrell said the EU will continue to coordinate the implementation of this collaborative approach.