EU backs Czech initiative to restrict travel of Russian diplomats amid sabotage fears

European Union governments have agreed to limit the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, describing the move as a response to a surge in sabotage attempts allegedly linked to Russian agents operating under diplomatic cover.

Under the proposed rules, Russian diplomats stationed in EU member states would be required to notify host governments of their travel plans before crossing into another EU country.

The initiative — championed by the Czech Republic — forms part of a new package of sanctions being prepared by Brussels in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The measures require unanimous approval. According to the FT, Hungary, the last EU member to oppose the plan, has now lifted its veto, paving the way for adoption.