The State Border Committee of Belarus has authorized the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of neighboring EU countries.
The State Border Committee of Belarus has authorized the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of neighboring countries that are members of the European Union (EU). This was announced by the press service of the department.
As noted in the commission, after the removal of covid restrictions on crossing the border with Belarus, an increase in the flow of people arriving from neighboring EU countries has been registered.
The introduction of a visa-free regime, according to the ministry, will help strengthen good neighborly relations with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. At the same time, the SCC is working on a mechanism that will allow citizens to visit the border area without a pass. Earlier, Belarusian authorities introduced a visa-free regime for Ukrainians and foreigners trying to leave Ukraine’s war zone by April 15th.
Meanwhile, the Baltic states are allowed to close their borders with Belarus and Russia due to the situation in Ukraine. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said he could not yet specify the exact date for the decision on the issue.
There is a danger that terrorists and refugees from Ukraine will enter the EU
Russia’s foreign ministry has warned that terrorists could enter the EU along with Ukrainian refugees, Interfax and Lenta.ru reports.
In connection with the Ukrainian crisis and the mass influx of refugees in European countries, there is direct danger of terrorists penetrating there. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Siromolotov believes criminals can take advantage of the situation. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
“Given the fact that more than 4 million refugees have already left Ukraine for other countries in the absence of proper migration controls, including more than 600,000 for Russia, no one can guarantee the absence of terrorists and criminal elements among them,” stressed is he.
Earlier, the British Minister for Refugees Richard Harrington revealed another danger of a mass influx of refugees from Ukraine to the EU: some countries can not cope with such an influx of people. Harrington is unhappy with the way British refugee projects are developing.
EU countries have already decided to redirect 17 billion euros in funds and European aid to disadvantaged people in support of Ukrainian refugees. The new mechanism will make it possible to allocate funds from the EU’s main funds to countries that accept people fleeing Ukraine.
