The European Union is considering a proposal that could potentially restrict the movements of Russian diplomats across the bloc’s territory.
The plan would concern members of Russia’s diplomatic and consular missions, including administrative and technical staff as well as family members, according to a section of the document outlining the latest, 19th (!) package of EU sanctions. .
Currently under negotiation, the plan would introduce a new requirement for Russian diplomats to declare any intention to travel within the EU beyond their host country. The document states that any such notification would have to be made no later than 24 hours before arrival and include full travel details.
A senior EU diplomat declared that
it’s a step forward in the right direction. It’s important to act now rather than to wait for something to happen.
The European External Action Service (EEAS)—the diplomatic service of the EU—reasoned that Russian diplomats are
often involved in activities that contribute to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, notably by spreading Russian rhetoric on the causes of the war, its unfolding and the role of the Union.
Similar steps have previously been taken with Georgian diplomats, setting a precedent for this proposal.
