EU imposes new travel restrictions on Russian diplomats amid espionage concerns The European Union announced that, effective Sunday, Russian diplomats and consular officers, together with their staff and families, must notify any destination and transit country at least 24 hours before traveling within the Schengen area. Member states may also require authorisation for entry or transit and may block travel if a concern arises. Violations could lead to revocation of diplomatic accreditation. The measures, adopted in October 2025 and published in the EU Official Journal, aim to protect the bloc from espionage and disinformation linked to Russia, particularly operations that distort public opinion about the war. Russia has historically enjoyed free travel for its diplomats in the EU. Eastern European states have long criticised this privilege, while other members feared reciprocal restrictions on European diplomats in Russia.

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