Vytautas Landsbergis

European Union countries that border Russia may ban Russian tourists from entering if the union does not agree on a European-wide suspension of Schengen visas. This was announced on Tuesday by the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, quoted by Reuters.

At the summit of the foreign ministers of the EU member states, Gabrielius Landsbergis said that his country had banned the railway transit of all goods from Russia, which is under EU sanctions, through its territory, since June 17.
"This decision was made after consultations with the European Commission and was implemented under the leadership of the EC," Landsbergis explained.

Lithuania's ruling Social Democrats sank to a distant third place in the first round of national elections, leaving center-right parties in pole position to form a new coalition government, surprise results showed on Oct. 10. 

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved EUR 1.8 B in fresh financial aid for Ukraine.

"This financial assistance package will be used in order to balance the budget and help Ukraine sustain its economy, to repay the debts that are due this year," rapporteur Gabrielius Landsbergis commented ahead of the vote.