August 16, 2022
2 mins read

Finland pushes for EU entry ban on Russian tourists

Earlier, the Finnish Foreign Ministry had raised concerns that the country is being used as a transit country by some Russian tourists to enter the EU before travelling on to their final destination within the bloc…reports Asian Lite News

Finland has pushed for entry bans on Russian tourists to the European Union (EU) during a summit meeting with other Nordic countries and Germany.

“Russian citizens did not start the war, but at the same time we have to realise that they support the war,” Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Monday, echoing a call made days ago by Estonia.

“I don’t think it’s right that Russian citizens can enter the EU and the Schengen area as tourists and go sightseeing while Russia is killing people in Ukraine.”

Finland, which borders Russia and is joining security alliance NATO following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, is already considering ways to unilaterally restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens.

Earlier, the Finnish Foreign Ministry had raised concerns that the country is being used as a transit country by some Russian tourists to enter the EU before travelling on to their final destination within the bloc.

Tourist visa for countries that are part of the so-called Schengen area, which is made up of 22 EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, allow tourists to travel freely between the countries.

But German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday again spoke out against an EU entry ban for Russians, citing citizens fleeing President Vladimir Putin’s regime.

“All the decisions we make should not make it more complicated for them to seek freedom and leave the country to escape the dictator in Russia,” he said. “It is not the war of the Russian people, it is Putin’s war.”

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the idea should be discussed.

“It is understandable that some Europeans, and perhaps especially Ukrainians, find it a bit strange that Russia has attacked a European country and at the same time we receive tourists from a country that has attacked another country,” she said.

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said her government had not yet formed an opinion.

“There are strong arguments on both sides,” she said.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, whose country is not in the EU, said his country would support any joint action.

Meanwhile, Latvia, who also shared a land border with Russia, has already tightened visa requirements.

ALSO READ-Türkiye urges Sweden, Finland to fulfil NATO accession commitments

Previous Story

Truss, Sunak blasted over ‘fantasy’ economic plans

Next Story

First lady Jill Biden tests positive for Covid

Latest from -Top News

India to send holy relics to Mongolia by 2026

According to the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Moggallana were the two principal disciples of Lord Buddha. Revered for their wisdom and spiritual accomplishments, they hold a prominent

India, Uganda vow deeper ties

Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday to discuss strengthening India–Uganda ties….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met

India-Mongolia trade nearly doubles

Bilateral trade between India and Mongolia nearly doubles as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic ties and deepen their strategic and cultural partnership…reports Asian Lite News Bilateral trade between India

Modi, Ukhnaa seal a golden friendship

India and Mongolia mark 70 years of diplomatic relations with energy, cultural, and development pacts — a partnership rooted in shared Buddhist heritage and growing strategic trust….reports Asian Lite News India and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India is Turkey’s greatest trade partner in South Asia, says Erdogan

Erdogan on Friday arrived in New Delhi for the G20

15 EU states demand plan to send asylum seekers to third countries

They want the EU to toughen its asylum and migration