EU discusses tighter restrictions on Russian diplomats amid hybrid attacks – Euronews

EU countries are discussing tighter restrictions and additional checks for Russian diplomats amid a wave of hybrid attacks in Europe.

Source: European Pravda, citing Euronews

Details: The movements and activities of Russian diplomats have come under closer scrutiny as the European Union tackles a series of hybrid attacks, some of which have been directly linked to Moscow and which have shaken its collective security. Euronews reported that this issue could be the next step in the EU's sanctions regime.

Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats last month, accusing them of "unacceptable" conduct under the 1961 Vienna Convention. Moscow responded in kind.

Other worrying incidents, including a suspected arson attack on a defence company facility in Estonia and the discovery of an unexploded drone at Leipzig Airport in Germany, both linked to Russia, have further increased concerns.

The discussions, which are still at an early stage, are a continuation of the mechanism introduced by the EU last year as part of its 19th sanctions package. This requires Russian diplomats working in the EU to notify the authorities of their intention to travel to another member state or transit through one outside their host country at least 24 hours before their planned entry.

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

Although the system has given European authorities greater powers to monitor the movements of Russian diplomats, it does not in itself restrict their movements.

Member states can introduce a stricter procedure requiring Russian diplomats to apply for permission to transit. If permission is refused, the diplomat may not cross the border. However, this procedure is optional. So far, only two countries have introduced it.

"As the system has only been in place since January 2026, experience is limited," a European Commission spokesperson said.

According to Euronews, discussions in Brussels will have to strike a balance with the Vienna Convention, which grants diplomatic representatives broad rights and protections in their day-to-day work. This document is considered one of the most significant achievements of international law.

Background:

• The Estonian Internal Security Service established that an arson attack on the building of the defence company Milrem Robotics in Tallinn on the night of 14-15 August was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian intelligence services.
• Germany directly accused Russia of carrying out a hybrid attack at Leipzig Airport in early August and announced retaliatory measures, including the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. 

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