On 9 September 2022, Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, went to finland, where she met with Krista Mikkonen, Finnish Minister for the Interior. On this occasion, they went to Nuijamaa, on the Finland-Russia border, where they discussed visas and the restrictions on Russian tourist visas to the EU, in the context of Russia's aggression on Ukraine. They also discussed border controls and reception centers.The Commission presented updated guidelines to Member States on visa procedures as well as on border controls for Russian citizens at the EU's external borders. These guidelines need to be seen in the context of geopolitical and security concerns linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The recent escalation of war by Russia, including through military mobilisation and sham ‘referenda' led to an increase of citizens, including conscripts and their families fleeing the Russian Federation. The guidelines call for reinforced security scrutiny when issuing visas to Russians and heightened border controls, while fully respecting EU asylum law.  

This video shows the press conference held by Ylva Johansson and Krista Mikkonen following thei visit of Nuijamaa.