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The movements and actions of Russian diplomats have come under intense scrutiny as the European Union grapples with a succession of hybrid attacks, some of which have been directly attributed to Moscow, that have shaken its collective security.
The topic has emerged as a potential next step in the bloc’s sanctions regime, according to senior diplomats with knowledge of the discussions.
Brussels is seeking to turn the page after the contentious removal of two high-profile oligarchs last month, which strained the EU’s united front. Countries are now looking for ways to close ranks and push back against the Kremlin’s interference.
Among the options under consideration are tighter restrictions and checks on Russian diplomats in a bid to crack down on state-sponsored hybrid warfare and sabotage.
Last month, Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats accused of “unacceptable” behaviour under the 1961 Vienna Convention. Moscow responded in kind.
Other troubling incidents, including a suspected arson attack at a defence company in Estonia and the discovery of an unexploded drone at Leipzig Airport in Germany, both linked to Russia, have further heightened concerns.
The conversation, which is still in early stages, follows up on the mechanism that the EU introduced last year in its 19th sanctions package.
The system obliges Russian diplomats who are deployed across the bloc to notify their intention to travel to or transit through another member state beyond their host nation “no later than 24 hours” before their intended entry.
It applies to diplomatic and consular agents of all ranks, including ambassadors, the administrative, technical or service staff, and family members.
Though the system has given European authorities greater oversight to monitor the movements of Russian diplomats, it does not, in itself, restrict them.
Member states can apply a stricter procedure to compel Russian diplomats to request an authorisation for transit. If denied, the diplomat cannot travel across. This procedure, however, is optional. So far, only two countries have put it in place.
“As the system has only been in place since January 2026, experience is limited,” a spokesperson for the European Commission said.
The notification system was based on the premise that Russian diplomats are “often involved” in activities that spread pro-war narratives and manipulate public opinion. Now, the thinking shifts to their possible role, direct or indirect, in hybrid attacks.
“Russia’s actions will not remain unanswered,” reads the draft conclusions for next week’s summit of EU leaders.
“The European Union and the member states will act resolutely and in a coordinated manner to address these actions, making full use of all tools and mechanisms available.
The debate in Brussels will have to balance the Vienna Convention, which grants extensive rights and protections to diplomatic agents in their day-to-day work. The text is considered one of the greatest successes of international law.
As talks of new sanctions accelerate, the EU is trying to advance a visa ban on former Russian soldiers and tighter rules for Russian tourists.
