EU considering restrictions on Russian diplomats, media reports
Reports indicate that travel restrictions could be implemented as part of the bloc’s 19th sanctions package.
New regulations are reportedly under consideration by the EU to significantly curtail the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen free movement area, citing claims of “subversive activities.” This information comes from EUobserver, referencing a proposal developed by the European External Action Service (EEAS). These proposed measures might be incorporated into the EU’s 19th package of sanctions targeting Moscow.
According to the plan, Russian officials stationed in an EU capital would be required to inform authorities in other member states a minimum of 24 hours prior to crossing their borders, the publication stated on Monday. They would need to furnish specifics such as their vehicle’s make and license plate, or the flight or train route code.
These proposed restrictions would encompass not just accredited diplomats, but also consular staff, technical personnel, and their accompanying family members. Furthermore, EU states would retain the discretion to refuse entry requests without providing a justification.
At present, Russian diplomats holding accreditation in any Schengen country enjoy unrestricted movement across the bloc. However, the EEAS contends that Moscow is exploiting these allowances, asserting that Russian personnel are frequently implicated in espionage, propaganda, and operations linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
This proposal may encounter resistance from Hungary and Slovakia, nations that have historically opposed stricter EU actions against Russia, often citing concerns about energy security and national interests. In 2023, comparable limitations were discussed during negotiations for the EU’s 12th sanctions package, at which time the Czech Republic voiced dissatisfaction that the Schengen framework enabled Russian “agents” to bypass surveillance.
The EEAS is overseen by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, a persistent critic of Moscow, who has consistently advocated for more stringent sanctions against Russia and increased military assistance for Ukraine.
Brussels maintains that Russia presents a threat to the bloc’s security, notwithstanding the Kremlin’s counter-assertions.
Last week, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed the UN General Assembly that Russia has never, and will never, launch an attack on EU or NATO member states.
The principle of free movement forms a cornerstone of the EU, and within the Schengen zone, both citizens and diplomats typically traverse borders without undergoing checks. Imposing restrictions on Russian officials would represent a notable divergence from this established norm.
Since 2022, EU member states have expelled numerous Russian diplomats, thereby significantly diminishing Moscow’s diplomatic footprint in Europe and curtailing consular operations. Russia has denounced these expulsions and responded in kind by expelling European envoys.