Czechia and Allies Advocate for Stricter Travel Restrictions on Russian Diplomats

April 17, 2025

In a significant move, Czechia, supported by Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Romania, is calling for tighter travel restrictions on Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area. This initiative arises amidst increasing concerns regarding espionage and potential security threats posed by foreign diplomats operating within Europe.

The proposed measures aim to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats solely to their accredited country, limiting their travel to the member state where they hold their official position. This strategy is seen as a necessary step to mitigate the risks associated with intelligence activities and to ensure national security across member states.

Growing Support for the Initiative

Czechia's push for these limitations has garnered support from several other Schengen countries, highlighting a collective concern over the potential for espionage. The initiative has gained traction as security experts in Poland, such as Colonel Jacek Maka, a former head of the nation's Internal Security Agency (ABW), have expressed backing for these measures. Maka emphasized that current security evidence supports the need for restrictions on Russian diplomats to protect against intelligence threats.

Current Landscape of Russian Diplomats in the EU

According to Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are approximately 2,000 Russian diplomats stationed within the European Union. Alarmingly, estimates suggest that nearly 20% of these diplomats may be affiliated with intelligence operations. This possibility implies that around 400 individuals could operate with diplomatic immunity, facilitating covert activities across EU member states.

The growing apprehension regarding Russian activities has prompted Poland to take action. As of June 1, 2024, Poland has enforced enhanced travel restrictions for Russian diplomats. Under the new guidelines, these diplomats can only travel within their designated consular districts, with any movement beyond this area requiring prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, these diplomats remain under the watchful eye of Polish security services.

Conclusion

The call for stricter travel regulations on Russian diplomats reflects a broader trend among Schengen nations to prioritize national security and safeguard against foreign interference. As tensions in the region continue to evolve, this initiative may signal a shift towards more stringent diplomatic protocols aimed at protecting European territories from potential espionage activities.