FT: EU restricts freedom of movement for Russian diplomats – Hungary withdraws veto

The governments of EU member states have agreed on a new measure to restrict the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats within the Union, reports the Financial Times. The move is a response to the increasing number of acts of sabotage, cyberattacks, and intelligence operations organized by Russian agents under diplomatic cover, according to European intelligence services.

The new rules require Russian diplomats in the EU to notify their host country in advance of any travel outside that country, to enable better monitoring. The initiative was pushed forward by Czechia.

According to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, the aim is to restore reciprocity: if Russia strictly regulates the freedom of movement of European diplomats, the same rules should also apply within the EU.

The member states unanimously approved the measure after Hungary withdrew its veto, according to two diplomats. However, legal confirmation of the package could be delayed as Austria continues to insist on easing sanctions against oligarch Oleg Deripaska as compensation for Raiffeisen Bank.

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