Russia and EU to simplify visa procedures between countries

The Russian State Duma and the European Parliament have ratified an agreement on simplification of the visa procedures between Russia and the EU, according to Russian authorities.

“A visa-free arrangement is good not only for tourists, it's good for everyone. We often say that Europe should be a continent without borders and we need to strive for that. But it should be done by both sides. We are ready to introduce a free-visa arrangement anytime, but our European partners are not yet ready. Still, we are moving in the right direction. The State Duma and the European Parliament have ratified an agreement on simplification of the visa procedures between Russia and the EU. So if we continue to cooperate this way further – it will lead us to our goal,” the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, said.