Several EU States Urge Permanent Schengen Ban on Russian Combatants
Interior ministers from the Baltic states, Nordic countries, and Poland have issued a joint statement proposing long-term restrictions on entry into the Schengen Area for Russian citizens involved in the war against Ukraine, even after the active phase of the war ends.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to ERR.
Meeting in Tallinn on Thursday, the ministers emphasized the need for a firm European stance on individuals who took part in Russia’s military aggression.
Estonia’s Interior Minister Igor Taro underscored the threat posed by Russian combatants, stating, “There are hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens who fought against an independent European state. We will not grant them residence permits or visas, as this group poses a serious security risk to us all.”
The proposal was endorsed by European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, as well as a representative from the EU’s border agency, Frontex, who were present at the talks.
The ministers insisted that the travel ban should remain in place beyond the cessation of hostilities, arguing that accountability and security concerns extend beyond the battlefield.
The Tallinn initiative comes amid wider debates within the EU on how to treat Russian nationals in the post-war context.
Recently, Polish FM Radosław Sikorski urged the EU to implement tighter restrictions on Russian diplomatic personnel, following precedents set by Warsaw and Prague.
Meanwhile, Hungary has come under fire for launching a fast-track visa scheme that includes Russian and Belarusian nationals.
According to Budapest, many of these individuals are expected to work on the country’s nuclear power projects utilizing Russian technology.
The decision sparked criticism across the EU, though Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó defended the policy, claiming it poses no threat to Schengen security.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed the policy does not endanger the integrity of the Schengen Area, although critics warn it undermines joint EU security efforts.
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