European Commission backs countries banning Russians' trips with Schengen visas

European Commission Spokeswoman Anitta Hipper has said that the European Commission supports the EU countries that have decided not to let Russians with Schengen visas through, and "remains in contact with them" on this issue.

Hipper made the remarks at a briefing in Brussels on September 20, TASS reports.

"The EU Council has decided to suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Russia since September 12, 2022. So from now on, we have a new visa regime. Besides the suspension of the visa regime, the European Commission is pursuing a general line to reduce the priority for entry of those who do not have important reasons for entry. We support the EU member states that adhere to our general line and remain in contact with them," she said.

Apart from the EU Council's decision to suspend the Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia since September 12, a number of EU countries, in particular the Baltic states, have actually banned Russians with Schengen visas from visiting these countries.