Lithuania Warns of Security Threat from Schengen Visas Issued to Russians

Lithuania's Interior Minister, Agne Bilotaite, has voiced strong opposition to the continued issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens, deeming it "unacceptable" and a "serious security threat." In a statement following a meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg, Bilotaite emphasized Lithuania's support for a targeted review of the Visa Code and anticipation of a legislative proposal from the European Commission. During discussions on the external aspects of migration, ministers also stressed the importance of the EU utilizing all available tools, including incentives and pressure, to encourage third countries to cooperate on readmission agreements. Minister Bilotaite highlighted that restoring free movement within the Schengen area and gradually phasing out long-term internal border controls should be key future objectives. She further underscored the necessity of adequate funding, both at the EU and national levels, to implement agreed-upon Schengen priorities. Decisions, she noted, should be based on continuously updated situational assessments, including data on visa issuance, migration instrumentalization, and other hybrid threats. The meeting also included a detailed discussion on the future of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees, which is currently set to expire in March 2027. Lithuania advocates for the full extension of this protection as long as the war continues and safe return conditions are not met. Bilotaite warned that terminating this protection prematurely could create legal and administrative challenges for member states' systems. Additionally, the minister stressed the importance of encouraging a transition to other legal residency statuses, particularly for those who are employed. She also called for maintaining protection for vulnerable groups and ensuring a unified EU approach to prevent secondary movements. The ministers convened to discuss the state of the Schengen area, migration and return policies, the visa system, the future of internal border controls, and the impact of the current geopolitical environment on EU internal security.

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Toliau augantis Šengeno vizų išdavimas Rusijos Federacijos piliečiams yra nepriimtinas ir kelia rimtą saugumo grėsmę. Tvirtai remiame tikslinę Vizų kodekso peržiūrą ir laukiame Komisijos teisėkūros pasiūlymo kuo skubiau.