European Union countries have agreed to limit the free movement of Russian diplomats across the bloc as part of a new, 19th package of sanctions against Moscow.
Hungary, the last country opposing the measure, dropped its veto, clearing the way for approval.
Two EU sources told the Financial Times that under the plan, first proposed by the Czech Republic, Russian diplomats based in EU capitals will have to notify other governments of their travel plans before crossing borders.
The decision comes amid growing fears of Russian sabotage operations in Europe. Intelligence agencies say many of these plots are carried out by spies working under diplomatic cover.
“They are posted to one place – but work in another,” a senior EU diplomat told FT, citing intelligence reports.
“The host country intelligence services know what they are up to, but if they cross the border, it can be harder for that country to keep tabs on them.”
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said the EU must follow the principle of reciprocity under the Vienna Convention when issuing short-term diplomatic visas.
“There is no ‘Schengen for Russia,’ so it makes no sense that a Russian diplomat accredited in Spain can come to Prague whenever he likes,” he told the FT.
“We should apply strict reciprocity to the issuance of short-stay, diplomatic visas under the Vienna Convention.”
The Czech Republic has long pushed for tighter restrictions. On Sept. 30, Prague banned entry to Russian diplomats and holders of service passports who are not accredited in the country.
However, the new sanctions package could still face delays. Austria has proposed lifting sanctions on assets linked to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska to compensate Raiffeisen Bank International for a €2 billion court-ordered payment in Russia.
According to FT, around 10 EU member states said they would reject the package if Austria’s proposal is included. Further talks are scheduled for Oct. 8.