EU member states are discussing tighter restrictions and additional checks on Russian diplomats amid a wave of hybrid attacks in Europe, Euronews reported on 6 October, citing diplomatic sources. The talks are still at an early stage and are seen as a possible next step in the bloc’s sanctions regime.
According to the outlet, the movements and activities of Russian diplomats have come under scrutiny, with authorities in EU countries directly linking some of the incidents to Moscow. Last month Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats, accusing them of “unacceptable” conduct under the 1961 Vienna Convention. Moscow responded in kind.
Other episodes have been added to the concern. Estonia suspects arson at a defence company’s site, and an unexploded drone was found at Leipzig Airport in Germany. Both cases have been linked to Russia.
The discussion builds on a mechanism in the EU’s 19th sanctions package. Since January 2026, Russian diplomats, their family members and technical staff have been required to give at least 24 hours’ notice of any intention to visit another member state or transit through it. Notification alone does not bar the trip.
Countries may apply a stricter procedure under which a diplomat must request transit authorisation in advance and cannot cross the border if it is refused. The measure is optional and has so far been introduced by only two states. A European Commission spokesperson said experience with the system is limited because it has been in force only since the start of the year.
Draft conclusions for next week’s EU leaders’ summit say Russia’s actions will not go unanswered and that the Union and its member states will respond resolutely and in a coordinated way, using all available tools.
