Russian nationals are now facing severe restrictions when it comes to bringing personal items into the European Union (EU), as confirmed by the European Commission. The ban includes a wide range of goods, ranging from personal cars and smartphones to everyday items such as soap and toilet paper. These restrictions apply even for temporary visits or tourist travels.
The EU Commission recently issued a set of answers to frequently asked questions, specifically addressing Russian cars. The commission clarified that the use of the vehicles, whether private or commercial, does not matter as long as they fall into the sanctioned goods category. The ban applies to vehicles with a Russian license plate and registered in Russia. The duration of the car’s stay in the EU is also deemed irrelevant. This clarification comes following several incidents in which German customs authorities confiscated private Russian cars entering the country since July.
These actions prompted Moscow to accuse Berlin of “stealing” Russian cars and warn its citizens against bringing their cars into Germany. German authorities justified their actions by citing the sanctions imposed against Russia since 2014 and further expanded after Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.
The EU Commission’s clarification on Friday goes beyond cars and states that a wide range of personal goods from Russia are subject to sanctions. When asked about temporarily bringing personal goods and vehicles into the EU, including as tourists, the commission stated that it is not allowed. Anything listed in Annex XXI to the EU regulation on sanctions against Russia is banned. Annex XXI encompasses over 180 categories of goods, including private vehicles, smartphones, cameras, women’s clothing, bags, footwear, soap, perfumery, and even toilet paper.
Sanctions on Russia were initially imposed by NATO and EU nations in 2014 after Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia following the Maidan coup in Kiev that year. Moscow has consistently maintained that these trade restrictions and the seizure of assets and other Russian property are illegal and tantamount to theft.
This tightening of restrictions imposes significant limitations on Russian nationals and their ability to travel with personal goods within the EU. It not only affects their personal freedom but also has economic implications for both countries involved. The ongoing tensions between Russia and the EU continue to impact various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade and tourism.
Given these restrictions, Russian nationals are advised to familiarize themselves with the specific sanctions and regulations imposed by the EU before planning any trips to European countries.
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