eu-com-schengen-coop

As regards the challenges indicated in previous reports, the implementation of the amended EU-
Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement, full integration of Bulgaria or Romania into Schengen and full
implementation of the harmonised list of supporting documents, notably lack of application by one
Member State, still remain potential challenges for 2014-2015.
In terms of other subjects to be addressed within the next reporting period (2014-2015), the legal
and practical consequences of the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the
roll-out of the VIS in Russia possibly in early 2015 would require particular vigilance and activity
by the Member States and EUD.
5. Other issues
The geographical size of the Russian Federation continues to pose particular problems for the
Schengen cooperation (as described already in previous reports). Furthermore, given that the EU's
visa policies and issuance are matters of high public and political interest in the Russian Federation,
regular negative and somewhat distorted reporting in the Russian media and statements by the
Russian authorities render the working conditions of the Schengen consulates and EUD more
difficult (as described already in previous reports). This situation might become worse with the
illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the consequent introduction of travel
bans to a number of Russian individuals.
* * * * *
This LSC St. Petersburg 2013-2014 report has been approved by all Member States present and
EUD.
12893/14 PR/lm 146
DG D 1 A
EN