After Estonia banned the entry of Russians, Lithuania appreciates this decision and advocates EU restrictions
Passport of a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania. photo of Vladimir Ivanovs (VŽ).
After Estonia banned Russians with Schengen visas from entering the country, Lithuania says it appreciates the neighbor’s decision, but emphasizes that the restrictions work effectively if they are applied at the level of the European Union (EU).
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated to BNS, the country’s institutions with powers in the areas of state security, visa issuance and border control “evaluate the decisions taken by Estonia and Latvia”.
“According to the initial assessment of the responsible institutions, the decisions of Estonia and Latvia are essentially very similar to the restrictions currently in force in Lithuania,” the ministry asserts.
“Lithuania consistently advocates sanctions against aggressive states and takes the position that restrictions work effectively if they are applied at the EU level,” she added.
Kremlin forces invaded Ukraine, Lithuania was one of the first EU countries to restrict the issuance of new Schengen and national visas to Russian citizens.
Similar decisions were made by Latvia and Estonia.
However, Tallinn went further on Thursday, restricting entry to the country to Russians who already have Schengen visas issued by Estonia.
This ban will not apply to persons subject to sanctions clauses, employees of the Russian Embassy and members of their families, persons directly involved in the transportation of goods and passengers, as well as persons who have freedom of movement under EU law or whose arrival is based on humanitarian reasons.
Those who want to visit their spouses or other relatives living in Estonia and who have received an invitation can also come.
For its part, the Czech Republic, which currently holds the EU presidency, said that the ban on the extradition of all Russian citizens could complement the sanctions announced by the Community against Moscow.
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