Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in his interview to television channel “Russia Today” that “even since long, Russia’s citizens deserve the right to arrive and travel along EU visa free”. Within EU, Italy is going to initiate liberalizing of visa regime for Russia. So far EU decisions on visa issues have been made on the principle of consensus, but when the Lisbon Agreement comes in force, the decisions will be made on majority principle, which means that a single state will not have the possibility of blocking decisions. To the Italian Foreign Minister’s opinion, Russia should participate more actively in resolving of economic and security policy issues, for example, fight against international terrorism, situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the Middle East crisis. “I think that most of the EU member states support the idea, disregarding opposition to closer ties with Russia on the part of a few countries. We will have to persuade these countries to change their position”, informed Franco Frattini.

NewsRu, December 8

http://www.newsru.com/arch/world/08dec2009/bezvisa.html#1

Sometimes, several EU member states have been called the Russian „Trojan horses” in EU. After the Italian Minister’s interview, such status can be applied to Italy. Similar to the other South European countries, Italy traditionally has a positive attitude towards Russia. This attitude is reflected in the friendly relations between Silvio Berlusconi and Russia’s leaders, as well as the cooperation between Italian and Russian energy companies.

It can be assumed that if Latvia was situated in South Europe having not had the historical experience it has now, maybe Latvia would also have a similar opinion on the issue of the eventual EU – Russia visa free regime, especially considering the possible growth of flow of tourists from Russia. However, the Central and East European countries, because of their historical experience and the current course of events, for example, the increasing implementation of soft power by Russia, will hardly wish to share the position of Italian Foreign Minister. Visa free regime with Russia would probably bring economic benefits, stimulating arrival of tourists from Russia and the other economic cooperation directions. It should be taken into account, though, that simultaneously the illegal flow of immigrants in EU would grow, too, and security situation in the Russia neighbouring countries would worsen, especially considering the possibility of Russia’s military actions with the aim to protect its citizens’ and compatriots’ rights.

Finally, not only economics is of importance to be granted such privilege, but also Russia’s compliance to the standards, for example, in the sphere of human rights, for EU can use visa free regime as a kind of “carrot” for achievement of at least some improvements in the human rights situation in Russia.

Generally speaking, the Franco Frattini’s statements look like an attempt to promote introduction of visa free regime using the new decision making procedure, and the EU member states’ attempt to improve their economic situation being impacted by the crisis. Whatever authority Italy may have, the Italy – Russia visa free regime will hardly be introduced in the nearest future, for no indications imply Russia’s ability to fulfil the criteria necessary for being a full-blooded partner of EU.