Sanctions against Russia: EU plans to restrict travel of Russian diplomats
Photo: The European Union wants to limit the travel of Russian diplomats (Getty Images)
The European Union plans to restrict the travels of Russian diplomats only to the country where they are accredited, thereby prohibiting them from moving to other countries in the Schengen Zone, reports Politico.
According to sources familiar with the plan among diplomats, this proposal is included in the 13th package of European sanctions against Russia.
This proposal has long been a request from the Czechia, which insisted last year on restricting the freedom of movement for Russian diplomats. Specifically, the Czech government advocated for issuing special visas and residence permits for Russian diplomats.
However, according to Politico, it is currently unclear how the plan will be implemented, as travels within the Schengen Zone are often not controlled. The sources mentioned by the publication note that the European Commission will also expand the lists of Russian companies to which European firms cannot sell dual-use goods and military products.
The EU is preparing the 13th package of sanctions against Russia
In January, it became known that the European Union had initiated the preparation of the 13th package of anti-Russian sanctions. This package is planned to be approved by the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine.
According to Reuters, the sanctions package will not include new restrictions on the import of Russian goods. At the same time, discussions on the limitations that will be included in the package are just beginning within the European Commission.
Yesterday, on February 5, the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, stated that the EU member states have not yet reached an agreement on the implementation of the 13th package of anti-Russian sanctions.
