The European Commission was asked by Member States, on Monday 26 September, to adjust guidelines issued earlier in September on how to process applications for short-stay visas in the EU from Russian citizens (see EUROPE 13018/10) and to take into account both security concerns expressed by countries bordering Russia, but also humanitarian reception requirements, a diplomatic source said.
The Czech Presidency of the EU Council convened an emergency meeting of the IPCR group involving Member States’ ambassadors to the EU on 23 September to discuss the situation of Russian citizens wishing to escape the partial military mobilisation announced by Vladimir Putin on 21 September, some of whom were arriving at the EU’s borders.
While the countries bordering Russia were quick to express their hostility to the issuing of visas on these bases, Germany, but also France, had, on the contrary, indicated that the door remained open for Russians who did not wish to go and fight in Ukraine.
On Monday, the position of Germany and France was supported by a “large majority of countries”, according to this source, and the Commission will now have to propose guidelines that respect the balance between security concerns and reception needs.
The version published in September explained to Member States how they could refuse Russian citizens entry into Schengen or refuse to issue them visas.
Monday’s meeting also addressed the issue of a possible escalation in the war in Ukraine with increased humanitarian needs as well as the security of the Zaporizhzhia power plant.
The Czech Presidency of the EU Council issued a statement after the meeting and confirmed that the Commission had been asked to assess the guidelines published on 9 September and if necessary to update them. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)