– We would like to make a difference between the Russian state and its citizens, but at the same time we see that most of the people who come here are rich Russians who are often connected to the regime – Hoekstra told the Dutch television RTL.
As previously reported by the Brussels-based Euroactive, EU foreign ministers should today discuss Ukraine’s appeal to ban Russian tourists from visiting Europe, which has divided the EU countries, so some have agreed to the idea in advance, while others fiercely resist it because they fear that it will also close the door to Russians fleeing their country.
Borrell: That is not a good idea
According to this portal, some of the countries that are Russia’s neighbors have already introduced bans or restrictions on visas for Russians, but the ban at the EU level is not yet in force.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borrell, who will preside over the meeting of EU ministers in Prague, said that he believes that banning all Russians from entering Europe “is not a good idea”.
Earlier today , the European Union must not prevent Russian tourists from visiting the bloc, Germany and France said ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers in Prague.
READ: Berlin and Paris oppose the ban on Russian tourists
In February, the European Union restricted visas for Russian officials, holders of diplomatic passports and company directors, but tourist visas are allowed.
