The EU may tighten restrictions on Russian diplomats in response to hybrid attacks

EU countries are considering stricter restrictions and additional checks for Russian diplomats amid a wave of hybrid attacks in Europe. Euronews notes that officials in Brussels are investigating the possible involvement of Russian representatives in such operations.

 

“The movements and activities of Russian diplomats have come under close scrutiny as the European Union faces a series of hybrid attacks, some of which are directly linked to Moscow.

According to high-ranking diplomats familiar with the discussions, this issue could become the next step in the EU’s sanctions regime,” the report states.

Among the options being considered are tighter restrictions and increased scrutiny of Russian diplomats.

The publication also noted that last month, Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats, accusing them of “unacceptable” behavior under the 1961 Vienna Convention. Moscow responded with reciprocal measures.

The negotiations, which are in the early stages, are a continuation of the mechanism introduced by the EU last year as part of the 19th sanctions package.

Under this system, Russian diplomats stationed in EU countries are required to notify authorities of their intention to travel to another member state or to transit through its territory, other than their country of accreditation, “no later than 24 hours” before the planned entry.

It applies to diplomatic and consular staff of all ranks, including ambassadors, administrative, technical, and support staff, as well as their family members.

The publication notes that the system itself does not restrict their movement.

Member states may apply a stricter procedure requiring Russian diplomats to obtain transit authorization. If authorization is denied, the diplomat cannot transit through that country. However, this procedure is optional. So far, only two countries have implemented it, according to Euronews.

Earlier, Vlasyuk explained what Ukraine expects from the EU’s 22nd sanctions package.

The European Union may adopt the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia no earlier than November. Meanwhile, as early as October, the EU expects to expand the personal sanctions list by approximately 1,600 individuals and legal entities.

As a reminder, on October 2, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions against seven Russian citizens whom London links to the forced deportation, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children. Among those sanctioned are the leaders of Russia’s “First Movement” and its branches in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Earlier, the U.S. banned transactions with A7 due to suspicions of sanctions evasion.