Take advantage of the opportunity to apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas – that was the advice Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently gave to Russians. He called the prospects of abolishing the visa regime between the EU and Russia 'not very encouraging.'
And an unnamed European diplomat, in an interview with the Interfax news agency, expressed concern that in the future, the situation with obtaining Schengen visas for Russians could worsen – due to a bill on the protection of personal data of Russian citizens being considered in the State Duma in its third reading. According to the document, all personal data must be stored on Russian servers. The Russian authorities have tried to dispel the expressed concerns. And Deutsche Welle turned to the head of the European Union's representation in Russia, Vygaudas Ušackas, for clarification.
– The other day you said in an interview that you are trying to understand whether the law on personal data protection in Russia will have 'negative consequences for the implementation of the Schengen Information System in Russia.' How specifically could this law – if adopted – affect the obtaining of visas for Russians?
– First of all, it is important to note that drafting and adopting laws is the prerogative of the authorities and citizens of Russia. As long as the law has not been finalized, it is difficult for us to discuss its possible consequences. On the other hand, we see clear concern among Russian citizens themselves about how this law could complicate their trips to the European Union.
Let's not go into details, because it is unknown in what form the bill will eventually be adopted. But it is obvious that as a result, it may turn out that specific steps – buying tickets or goods from international online stores, booking hotels – could become problematic. In this sense, we share the concern of Russians and entrepreneurs who represent the European Union.
– Data on Schengen visas issued to Russians can also be interpreted as their personal data. Thus, they could fall under the future law. Is it possible to store Schengen information system data on Russian territory?
– I would not like to go into details. I am not a specialist. However, it is obvious that at the moment the server with biometric data of those entering the European Union is located in the EU.
But we know that Russia itself has started a pilot project in several countries to collect biometric data (from those who want to obtain a Russian visa. – Ed.). This is one of the modern technologies, a trend observed not only in the US, EU, and other countries. Modern technologies allow for a higher level of security while facilitating travel.
– Have you expressed your concern on behalf of the EU and European companies regarding this bill to the Russian authorities? Does such a practice exist? And if so, what was their reaction?
– Yes, such a practice exists. But we continue to study the text and content of the new legislative changes. European entrepreneurs have already raised this issue in meetings with their interlocutors and representatives of state structures. And we also intend in the near future to officially address the Russian authorities and draw attention to this topic, ask for a more detailed explanation of how the adopted law will be implemented. So that together with our Russian colleagues we are more aware of the possible negative consequences for travel to the European Union.
– How has the number of tourists from Russia to the EU changed since the start of the Ukrainian crisis?
– We do not have specific data. But as far as I have heard the latest figures from other EU representatives, the tourist flow has decreased by 10-30 percent, depending on the country. I would not link the decrease in tourist flow directly to the Ukrainian crisis, although, of course, it is one of the factors. More significant factors are the devaluation of the ruble and the worsening economic situation in Russia.
– Is it true that the EU is trying to unilaterally simplify the procedure for issuing Schengen visas to Russians? If so, what does this simplification entail?
– Tourism is a driver of European economic growth. We understand this well. During the recent crisis, tourism remained one of the most important pillars of the European economy. Therefore, on April 1 of this year, the European Commission came up with an initiative to facilitate the issuance of visas in the future. An ambitious package of measures has been proposed.
These include long-term visas for frequent travelers to the EU, a new type of visa (the so-called tour visa for those who would like to stay in Schengen area countries for a year), simplified application forms, and other measures to simplify the visa issuance procedure. However, to implement such proposals, we need the support of all 28 EU member states and the European Parliament.
– Negotiations on introducing a visa-free regime between the EU and Russia have been frozen. Do you have any idea what could become a condition for their resumption?
– Indeed, in response to Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine, the EU was forced to suspend, among other things, the dialogue on visa matters. To return to normal relations, it is important for us to restore trust, it is important that we achieve concrete results on de-escalation of the situation in Ukraine. Then we can return to visa issues.
– The EU is introducing mandatory fingerprinting for issuing Schengen visas from 2015. What technical changes await Russians wishing to travel to the EU? Will this measure make obtaining visas more difficult?
– Fingerprinting is part of a new trend. We live in the 21st century. The European Union started collecting biometric data several years ago. We hope that from the beginning of next year we will start implementing a unified Schengen visa information system, within which we will collect biometric data.
There is no exact date yet. According to official plans, from April-May next year. At the moment, there are no new technical requirements. With the introduction of biometric data collection, new requirements will appear, but they will be minor. Those who have already submitted data will find it easier to obtain 3- and 5-year visas, and the procedure will become less bureaucratic. But all this will happen only after the EU adopts the entire package of measures I have mentioned.