Russia and the European Union: on the way to visa-free regime

The article examines the causal relationship between the emergence of a dialogue between the Russian Federation and the European Union on the preparation of an agreement on the abolition of visas and the liberalization of visa laws. The process of preparing the agreement is traced. The article proves the desire of the Russian side to promptly introduce a provision on the adoption of appropriate measures for the cross-border movement of citizens of Russia and the European Union (visa-free regime), as well as opposition from the European officials. During the consideration of the problem, both legal and political aspects are touched upon, which hamper the development of a constructive dialogue on the road to achieving a visa-free agreement between Russia and the European Union. The author comprehensively considers the dynamics of bilateral negotiations, as well as changes that arise in legal documents due to political, economic and social conditions. The author notes significant milestones in the development of a visa-free regime, including the steps taken by the Russian Federation to change legislation with a view to signing an agreement on cross-border movement.