Russia and the European Union have approached major easing of the visa regimen, the Kommersant writes. The newspaper has learned that Moscow and Brussels had actually agreed on a document to lift visa requirements for new categories of citizens, on expanding the list of those having a right for obtaining five-year multi-entry visas, and on easing visa procedures for the remaining groups of citizens if they apply not for the first time. One issue remains an obstacle for signing the agreement: Moscow insists on abolishment of visas for those having official passports. Brussels is against: it doubts Russia’s official passports are issued for those who should have them.

Under the current agreement of 2006, applications for up to five-year multi-entry visas may be filed by close relatives of Russians “staying legally in territories of the EU member countries” /and vice versa/, as well as members of Russian and regional governments and parliaments, of the Constitution and Supreme Courts /and vice versa/. The new document grants the right several more categories of citizens – members of official delegations, entrepreneurs, participants in scientific, cultural and sports events and exchange programmes, reporters, and long-distance passenger and cargo drivers. The third innovation is easier visa procedure for ordinary citizens. If an applicant had obtained a short-term visa and had not violated the regulations of stay, he or she may apply next time for a longer term visa. Russia and the EU have already agreed principally on all these items.

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