A group of eight foreign ministers, including Poland’s Radosław Sikorski, has petitioned EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to impose restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the European Union.
Their initiative proposes confining Russian diplomats to countries where they are officially accredited, effectively curtailing their freedom of movement across the Schengen area.
In their joint letter, the ministers from Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania underscored concerns over the activities of Russian diplomats, citing their alleged roles in intelligence gathering, propaganda dissemination, and potential involvement in acts of sabotage.
They highlighted previous expulsions of Russian diplomats across EU member states as evidence of ongoing security threats posed by Moscow’s operatives.
The proposed restrictions aim to enhance security measures by limiting the operational reach of Russian diplomatic missions and their personnel.
In their joint letter, the ministers from Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania underscored concerns over the activities of Russian diplomats, citing their alleged roles in intelligence gathering, propaganda dissemination, and potential involvement in acts of sabotage.
They highlighted previous expulsions of Russian diplomats across EU member states as evidence of ongoing security threats posed by Moscow’s operatives.
The proposed restrictions aim to enhance security measures by limiting the operational reach of Russian diplomatic missions and their personnel.
The ministers argued that such measures align with international law, specifically referencing the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.
Last month, Sikorski announced unilateral restrictions on Russian diplomatic movements within Poland, allowing them only within designated regions, a move he urged other EU nations to consider.
The ministers acknowledged that Russia could retaliate but emphasized the need for collective preparedness among EU member states to respond proportionately.
“The potential reaction from Russia carries significantly lower costs than the potential damage that Russian diplomatic agents can inflict in Europe,” said the letter.
The issue is expected to be deliberated further at an upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for June 24 in Luxembourg.
Last month, Sikorski announced unilateral restrictions on Russian diplomatic movements within Poland, allowing them only within designated regions, a move he urged other EU nations to consider.
The ministers acknowledged that Russia could retaliate but emphasized the need for collective preparedness among EU member states to respond proportionately.
“The potential reaction from Russia carries significantly lower costs than the potential damage that Russian diplomatic agents can inflict in Europe,” said the letter.
The issue is expected to be deliberated further at an upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for June 24 in Luxembourg.
Source: TVP World, PAP
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