Estonian interior minister: allowing Russian tourists into Europe is immoral

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro has called on the European Union to tighten its visa policy towards Russian nationals.

Source: Estonian public broadcaster ERR, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Taro stressed that this is a matter not only of security but also of values.

Quote: "I agree with European Commissioner Magnus Brunner that the increase in tourist visas issued to Russian nationals in the current situation is absolutely unacceptable. While ordinary Ukrainians are dying under missile strikes, nationals of the aggressor state cannot be allowed to holiday and shop in Europe as if nothing has happened."

More details: The minister believes restrictive measures must apply uniformly across the entire European Union and Schengen area, rather than remaining recommendations for individual states.

Taro said the current system should allow restrictions to be imposed more flexibly, particularly by limiting visa issuance to specific categories of Russian nationals, such as diplomats, holders of official passports, individuals who have fought or are fighting in the war against Ukraine, and religious figures who support Russia's aggression.

Restrictions could also be applied depending on the purpose of travel.

Background: In June, it emerged that Poland, Sweden, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and the Netherlands, as well as non-EU members Norway and Iceland, are demanding that the European Commission urgently block the issuance of Schengen visas for Russians.

Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.