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

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Economic cooperation with Russia increasingly difficult’

Von der Leyen said she is planning new proposals for

Macron meets Ukrainian counterpart, discuss peace

Kiev and Paris share a common vision of current threats