Europe slashes Russian diplomat travel to stop spying — Euobserver
Photo: Russian spies with diplomatic cover will face restrictions on travel to the EU (Getty Images)
The EU plans to impose strict restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats in Europe in order to prevent subversive activities, Euobserver reports.
It is expected that Russian diplomats, for example, from Brussels, will have to notify the authorities of Luxembourg and the Netherlands about their trips through their territory to The Hague.
These measures are being discussed as part of new EU proposals to tighten control over Russia's diplomatic activities in the European Union.
In addition, in its 19th package of sanctions against the EU, the European Union intends to restrict the movement within the bloc not only of Russian diplomats, but also of all employees of Russian diplomatic missions.
The restrictions may affect consular staff, administrative and technical staff, as well as their family members.
EU sanctions
Earlier, Euractiv reported that the European Union was considering imposing new restrictions on Russian citizens, as well as restrictions on Russian diplomats.
The EU has decided not to impose bans on Russian residents for the time being, but sanctions on diplomats will be adopted in the 19th package.
On September 19, the European Commission presented the 19th package of sanctions against Russia for discussion by EU member states.
Approval of the package is currently being blocked by Slovakia, whose government maintains close relations with the Kremlin.
