CoEU Crisis Update 6- "What comes next for Russian residents of the European Union?"

On Thursday December 8, at 17:30 European leaders within the European Commission extensively discussed the possibility of cancelling the visas of Russian residents of EU countries, extending the consequences the suspension of the visa agreement with Russia. This would be done in an attempt to counter infiltration attempts by the Russian Secret Services, as well as to put further pressure on the Russian Government in the context of negotiations for peace, along with the seizure of frozen Russian controlled assets. In case this happens, the EU will be faced with a new wave of refugees, this time exiting the European Union, which will affect all countries of the EU and especially the easternmost ones, while the war is still ongoing. It is also very likely that this exodus will also spread to other countries, such as the USA and the UK.

Hours after the discussions, earlier today -at 13:35 (December 9 2022)- the presidency of the Council (France, Czech Republic, Sweden) announced that they decided to implement the idea and cancel the visas of residents of Russian origin in their countries, urging the rest of Europe to follow their lead. The affected people will have to resettle from these certain EU countries within a month. Of course, the Kremlin immediately voiced their disapproval, clarifying that it does not accept their repatriation,since it is a direct violation of human rights, camouflaging an espionage move.

They also threaten to once again block Ukrainian grain exports, as well as cut all corridors of communication between them and Europe, as such quitting the current negotiations process if the initiative is not reversed. French and Czech Politicians have refused thus far to back down on their decision, stating that this is the only way to take the upper hand in negotiations.The majority of experts predict that this move will result in another rise of inflation and food prices in an already vulnerable European economy, as more panic and fear of uncertainty takes over the minds of EU residents. Officials are already looking for an alternative, while heated conversations are expected in the Council of the European Union.