Media: EU weighs five-year limit on Russian diplomats

European Union (EU) officials are considering imposing a five-year limit on the stay of Russian diplomats within the bloc as part of future sanctions measures against Moscow, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reports, citing a source familiar with the discussions.

According to the source, the proposal is still under consideration in Brussels and has not yet been finalised. However, officials are already discussing restricting Russian diplomats from remaining in EU member states for more than five years.

The source added that the measure could potentially be included in the EU’s next package of sanctions against Russia.

The reported discussions come after the EU’s 19th sanctions package introduced tighter rules for Russian diplomatic personnel. Under the latest measures, Russian diplomats are now required to notify authorities if they intend to travel to or transit through EU countries other than the one where they are permanently accredited.

The EU has steadily expanded sanctions against Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, targeting sectors ranging from finance and energy to transport and diplomatic activity.

By Sabina Mammadli