Stubb Supports Visa-Free Travel for Russians
Alexander Stubb
Image: YLE
Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb supports giving Russian citizens the right of visa-free travel in the European Union. He made his comments on a visit to Moscow.
"It’s in our interest that Finnish citizens and Finnish businessmen and women can move freely," Stubb told YLE. "We’re not ready for that now, because there are two requirements that have to be met."
Those requirements, according to Stubb, are that the Russian government must end the mandatory registration of all foreign visitors and make it easier for foreigners to obtain work permits.
"The more people can move freely, the better. But there has to be a certain amount of control," said Stubb.
For years, Russia has pushed for visa-free travel in the EU. At the same time, Finland has urged Russia to ease its complex practices regarding work permits and registration.
Stubb met with his counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday. They also discussed the development of EU-Russian relations and the situation in Afghanistan.
YLE