Overview

• The European External Action Service proposal would require Russian diplomatic personnel to file movement notifications at least 24 hours in advance, with vehicle details, carriers, routes, border crossings, and travel dates.
• The measures would extend beyond accredited diplomats to consular and administrative-technical staff as well as their family members.
• Under the plan, any EU member state could refuse entry or demand additional authorization for travel or transit without providing reasons.
• EU ambassadors discussed the draft on Friday, an initial reaction was described as positive, and Council experts are slated to examine it in Brussels this week.
• EUobserver reports some governments are pushing to achieve diplomatic staffing parity that could lead to mass expulsions, and Russia’s Foreign Ministry has warned of inevitable retaliation if movement is restricted.