EU Aims to Make Entry for Russians Impossible: Permanent Representation

The recent clarifications from the European Commission regarding the entry ban for personal vehicles registered in Russia are aimed at making it practically impossible for Russians to enter the EU under conditions of no direct air connections and tightened visa requirements. This was stated in a comment from the Permanent Representation of Russia to the EU given to RIA Novosti.

“The mentioned clarifications are intended to make it impossible for them to enter the European Union in the absence of direct air transportation and in light of the tightening of visa requirements for Russian citizens,” the Permanent Representation believes.

Last Friday, the European Commission published clarifications stating that the sanctions imposed by the EU Council against Russia also apply to personal vehicles of Russian citizens that have Russian registration plates. Russian citizens are not allowed to enter EU territory with personal vehicles, even for tourism purposes or for short visits.

Formally, the clarification indicates that the ban also extends to several items included in the EU lists, including personal use items such as phones, laptops, clothing, or hygiene products. Moreover, the European Commission on September 11 also noted that EU countries should act rationally and not obstruct the entry of ordinary personal items for Russians into European territory, such as clothing and hygiene products, which do not have high value and are not luxury items. Earlier, the Commission's clarification about the ban on importing passenger cars raised concerns that Russian tourists might not be able to bring even personal items into the EU, including items like shampoo and toilet paper.