Despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s skepticism, Finland is pushing for entry bans for Russian tourists into the EU. “Russian citizens have not started the war, but at the same time we must be clear that they support the war,” Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Monday evening at a summit of the heads of government of the Scandinavian countries with Scholz in Oslo.
“I don’t think it’s right for Russian citizens to enter the EU, the Schengen area and go sightseeing as tourists while Russia is killing people in Ukraine.” Marin called for a discussion on this in the European Council.
Finland is currently exploring ways to restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens.
In Oslo, Scholz again spoke out against Russia’s entry ban to the EU, referring, among other things, to Russian citizens fleeing Putin’s regime. “Any decisions we make should not complicate it for them to seek freedom and leave the country to escape the dictatorship in Russia,” he said. “It’s not the war of the Russian people, it’s Putin’s war.”
Denmark defends Finland’s wish
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, on the other hand, expressed his understanding for Finland’s concerns. “I find it understandable that some Europeans and perhaps especially some Ukrainians find it a bit strange that Russia has attacked a European country and that at the same time we receive tourists from this country that has attacked another country,” said the Social Democrat. “I think we should discuss that.”
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson called for joint EU action in this area. Your government has not yet formed an opinion on this. “I think there are strong arguments on both sides,” said the Social Democrat. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the discussion was important and that his country would support joint action.
After the consultations in a large group, Scholz wanted to travel further to Sweden in the evening for bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Andersson.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
