Eight member states of the European Union, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania, have appealed to Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign policy, to limit the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats in the Schengen zone.
This is reported Reuters.
In a letter dated June 11, the foreign ministers of these countries expressed concern that the free movement of Russian diplomats facilitates “malicious activities,” including intelligence, propaganda and even the preparation of sabotage. They called on the EU to adhere to the principle of reciprocity and limit the movement of Russian diplomats only to the territory of the country where they are accredited.
It is noted that this call for action by eight EU countries is part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine. Earlier, the Czech Republic and Poland already announced the introduction of restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats on their territory. In addition, the G7 and the EU are considering increasing sanctions against banks that help Russia circumvent current restrictions.
