EU-Russia

Commenting on today's meeting between the Russian government and the European Commission, and the related debate on visa liberalisation for Russian officials, Green MEP and foreign policy spokesperson Werner Schulz said:

"It is incomprehensible that the majority of EU governments has given in to pressure from Moscow on visa liberalisation for Russian officials against the background of the unresolved Mangitsky case. Instead of kowtowing to the Kremlin, EU member states should have instead followed the US's lead and, at the very minimum, imposed sanctions on those connected with the murder of Sergei Magnitsky, including visa restrictions. It is regrettable that my request to Commission president Barroso on this issue has not been acted on (1).

"The timing could not be more regrettable, with the shameful trial of Magnitsky ongoing, whilst the official Russian investigation into his death has been halted. Magnitsky's former boss, William Browder, is now also under investigation for alleged fraud, in a further politically-motivated trial.

"This is a devastating blow to Russian citizens who hoped for Europe's support for social change and legal security in their country. They have to stand in queues in front of the consulates, while Putin's acolytes can go shopping and have holidays within the EU without any visa application processes."

1) Letter from Werner Schulz to Commission president Barroso http://www.werner-schulz-europa.eu/images/2013/pdfs/130320_Letter_Barroso_final.pdf