French Ambassador to Russia Jean-Maurice Ripert said that the authorities of the country are in favor of the complete abolition of visas for Russians.
Ripert said Paris is ready to take this step because they do not see the risk of emigration from Russia. “But we can not make that decision by ourselves, as it should be the total solution taken by all member states of the Schengen agreement”, he said.
The Ambassador also assured that the process of issuing visas to Russians who want to visit France, will be maximally simplified.
France is not the first EU country serving this initiative. In April, a similar proposal was advanced by the Spanish authorities. Industry and Tourism Minister of this country José Manuel Soria said that Russian travelers bring great benefit to the European State.