EU makes it more difficult for Russians to visit

Russian nationals will be allowed to enter the European Union only because of family situation and for humanitarian reasons. Apart from that, entry to the European Union will be possible for journalists, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said on Friday.

According to Johansson, restrictions will come in force from Monday.

It is not yet clear whether his words mean an agreed refusal from the simplified visa issuance procedures or any extra restrictions.

On September 6, the European Commission approved the proposal on the complete termination of the agreement on simplified visa issuance procedures with Russia. Brussels hopes this step will be approved by the European Council and will be enforced until September 12. It is supposed that the visa price and issuance terms will be considerably extended and they will hardly ever be issued for tourist purposes. The European Commission also calls on EU countries to check "loyalty" of those applying for visas.