Report warns EU accession could create new iron curtain on eastern border

Pursuant to the treaty of Schengen, effective since 1995, passport inspection was eliminated at border crossings within the European Union (EU). When Poland joins the EU, such inspection will also be eliminated at Polish borders with the EU, while Poland's eastern border will be sealed for citizens of such countries as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, which could in fact mean the establishment of a new Iron Curtain in Europe. The Stefan Batory Foundation (FSB) released a report on Monday indicating steps that could be taken to prevent that. FSB's suggestions include the issuance by Poland of visas for stays just within Poland; developing and improving a network of consulates to facilitate obtaining a visa; issuing year-long, multi-entry Shengen visas for people conducting business, scientists, artists, scholarship students, people living close to the border area, as well as other people.(Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 7) M.T