“ Events which take place in a country bordering the Union, such as those which have occurred in Ukraine and which have given rise to the restrictive measures, are capable of justifying measures designed to protect essential Union and Member States' security interests. The above actions by the Russian Federation are in breach of the fundamental principles of international law. The actions of the Russian Federation are also likely to provoke migratory movements stemming from acts that are illegal under international law. ”

“ The purpose of the Agreement is to facilitate, on the basis of reciprocity, the issuance of visas for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per period of 180 days to the citizens of the European Union and the Russian Federation. The desire to facilitate people-to-people contacts as an important condition for a steady development of economic, humanitarian, cultural, scientific and other ties is underlined in the preamble to the Agreement. ”

“ This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part, in accordance with Decision 2002/192/EC; Ireland is therefore not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application. ”