EU Discusses Tighter Restrictions on Russian Diplomats

European Union member states are holding discussions on imposing tighter restrictions on Russian diplomatic staff operating across the bloc, according to sources familiar with the matter. The talks come amid growing concerns about espionage and intelligence activities by Russian diplomatic personnel, including recruitment of local assets and interference in domestic politics. Several EU countries have already expelled Russian diplomats declared persona non grata in recent years. The new measures under discussion could include caps on the total number of Russian diplomatic staff, restrictions on their freedom of movement, and enhanced surveillance protocols. The discussions are ongoing, and any measures would require consensus or qualified majority among EU member states.