On 14 March, the Commission adopted a communication outlining a five-year strategic framework for integrated border management in Europe and recommendations to Member States on mutual recognition of return decisions and accelerated returns. The European Council, at its extraordinary meeting on 9 February 2023, confirmed the importance of ensuring effective control of the EU’s external […]
Guidelines on general visa issuance in relation to Russian applicants and controls of Russian citizens at the external borders
The recent escalation of war by Russia, including through military mobilisation and sham ‘referenda’ led to an increase of citizens, including conscripts and their families fleeing the Russian Federation. The guidelines call for reinforced security scrutiny when issuing visas to Russians and heightened border controls, while fully respecting EU asylum law. The EU Commission has […]
The UN Security Council discussed the Ukraine-Russia border crisis
The UN Security Council discussed the Ukraine-Russia border crisis, in a session where Washington and Moscow exchanged accusations. Russia and China objected to the meeting being open, but were outvoted by ten votes in favor and three abstentions, with the result that the meeting went ahead. The U.S. ambassador asserted that Russia’s moves pose a […]
COVID-19: Commission’s guidelines for border measures to protect health and keep goods and essential services.
The Commission presented guidelines to Member States on health-related border management measures in the context of the COVID-19 emergency. The aim is to protect citizens’ health, ensure the right treatment of people who do have to travel, and make sure essential goods and services remain available. President von der Leyen said: “Our measures to contain the Coronavirus […]