Netherlands Push for Free Travel Ban on Russian Diplomats Over Espionage Concerns

The Netherlands, along with seven other EU countries, is advocating for restrictions on the travel of Russian diplomats within the European Union. They propose limiting these diplomats' movement to the country where they are accredited, rather than allowing free travel across the Schengen zone.

This push stems from concerns that many Russian diplomats may be covert agents engaged in influence operations, sabotage, and espionage, according to Trouw.

The Czech Republic initiated this effort late last year and garnered support from the Netherlands, Denmark, several Eastern European nations, and the Baltic States. In June, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky sent a letter to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on behalf of eight EU countries. "This measure will significantly reduce the operational space of Russian agents," Lipavsky stated.

In a recent interview with German media Deutsche Welle, Lipavsky revealed there is "specific information about so many cases of Russian sabotage," asserting that "Russian diplomatic posts are being used for a hybrid war against Europe."

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, European nations expelled around 600 Russian diplomats, with about 400 suspected of being intelligence officers. The practice of using diplomats as spies is not unusual due to diplomats' freedom of movement and diplomatic immunity.

While the Netherlands supports the initiative, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is displeased that the letter has been leaked, a spokesperson told Trouw.

The proposal has faced division within the EU. Germany, Austria, and Italy oppose the travel restrictions, fearing retaliatory measures from Moscow and the potential closure of diplomatic channels with Russia, according to Trouw.