European Union governments are moving towards a measure that would tighten controls on the movement of Russian diplomats across the bloc, with Moscow saying it will respond if the plan is adopted.
EU diplomats said on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, that member states are discussing a proposal from the European External Action Service (EEAS) that would require Russian diplomats accredited in one EU country to notify authorities before travelling to another. The notification system would allow national governments to refuse entry on a case-by-case basis. Officials described the talks as advanced but not concluded, with ambassadors expected to review the file as part of negotiations on the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia.
The Kremlin said it would formulate countermeasures if the EU proceeds. Asked about the reported curbs, spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “Well, of course there will be a response. Our diplomatic service will formulate proposals, and they will be implemented,” adding that “unfortunately, Europeans are actively reviving their skills in erecting new dividing walls.” Moscow has previously taken reciprocal steps against EU missions following expulsions or visa restrictions imposed since 2022.
Under the plan discussed in Brussels, the notification requirement is framed as an administrative step rather than a blanket ban. Once notified, host governments would be able to assess intended trips by Russian diplomatic staff and decline entry where they consider it necessary. Supporters argue the measure would reduce opportunities for personnel suspected of engaging in activities beyond their diplomatic remit to move unobserved within the Schengen area after accreditation in a single member state.
The proposed travel curbs are being paired with other elements under consideration for the 19th sanctions package. According to EU officials, these include advancing the timeline of an EU prohibition on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and targeted listings against entities assessed as supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. As in previous rounds, decisions are being bundled to preserve consensus among the 27 member states, a process that can prolong negotiations when national priorities diverge.
Austria-related issues have complicated the talks, diplomats said, citing sensitivities around Russian-linked frozen assets and legal exposure for European companies operating in Russia. Some governments have raised concerns that steps perceived as accepting Russian court rulings could set precedents with broader implications for assets and liabilities. EU officials are also weighing the energy security dimension of any acceleration of restrictions on Russian LNG ahead of the winter period.
Several member states have pushed for tighter oversight of Russian diplomatic movements following a series of security incidents across Europe attributed by national authorities to Russian actors. Since 2022, EU countries have expelled hundreds of Russian diplomats and staff, alleging the misuse of diplomatic cover for intelligence activity. The notification system would be designed to complement, rather than replace, existing national tools—including refusals of entry and persona non grata declarations—while providing a coordinated procedure across borders.
No formal text has been published, and precise contours may shift as negotiations proceed. Points still under discussion include the scope of staff covered, the lead times for notification, the handling of urgent official travel, and the division of responsibilities between national capitals and the EEAS. Officials said the intention is to keep decisions at member-state level, consistent with established practice on entry and visa matters within the Schengen framework.
Any agreement would require unanimity. The Council has typically sought to finalise sanctions packages as a whole, meaning the travel proposal is likely to advance or be held back alongside other measures under the 19th round. The European Commission and the EEAS have declined to comment in detail while talks are ongoing, noting only that discussions among member states are continuing.
Russia’s stated intention to retaliate adds a further diplomatic consideration. EU missions in Moscow and other Russian cities could face reciprocal restrictions on movement or staffing. Member states are assessing potential impacts on consular operations and engagement with international organisations where travel by EU diplomats is routine.
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