As AFP reports, Finland’s foreign minister on Thursday presented a plan to limit tourist visas for the growing number of Russians traveling to the Scandinavian country to transit to other European countries.

Flights from Russia to the EU were suspended after the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine on February 24. Thus, Finland, which has a long border with Russia, has become an important transit country for Russian travelers.

“Many saw in this a circumvention of the sanctions regime,” Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told AFP.

Finland wants to join NATO, and political and popular support for the alliance has grown since Moscow invaded Ukraine.

But to date, this Scandinavian country remains the only EU member and neighbor of Russia that does not impose tourist visa restrictions on Russian citizens.

Finland’s Schengen regime and laws do not allow for a complete ban on visas based on nationality, but Helsinki can reduce the number of visas issued by category, including tourist visas, Haavisto said.

So on Thursday, the ministry presented a proposal to the government that would allow Finland to “give priority” to groups such as family members and students while reducing tourist visas.

If the government gives the green light, a decision could be made by the end of the month.

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