Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky urged closer scrutiny of how Russian diplomats move within the European Union, calling for tighter limits on their travel. The statement came as part of ongoing discussions about EU security measures, with ministers from member states weighing similar steps to curb potential risks tied to diplomatic activity that crosses national borders within the bloc.
Lipavsky emphasized that the goal is to enhance safety for European residents by ensuring that diplomatic movements do not undermine internal security or create blind spots for espionage attempts. He noted that European partners are engaging in the same line of thinking, signaling a coordinated approach to reduce vulnerability at a regional level.
There have been talks, within the EU framework, about restricting the free movement of Russian diplomats across member states. The Czech Republic has presented proposals as part of the ongoing EU sanctions discussions, signaling a push to align security policy with tougher practical restrictions on individuals linked to Russian diplomatic missions.
In a broader assessment, officials have raised concerns that the lack of internal borders within the EU could enable not just routine diplomacy but the movement of individuals with potential intelligence obligations. The aim is to close what some officials describe as gaps in vigilance and to ensure that cross-border travel by diplomats is subject to stricter scrutiny and oversight.
There have been earlier steps to address related concerns, including discussions about property-related measures and other economic levers that could affect Russian entities operating within EU territory. While such proposals form part of a larger package of restrictive measures, the underlying intent is to reinforce the continent’s collective security posture and deter any use of diplomatic channels for covert intelligence work. The broader context involves careful balancing of diplomatic norms with the need to protect public safety and national security across EU member states.