Czechia proposes to limit movement of Russian diplomats across Schengen zone

The Czech Republic offers that the EU explore restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats across the Schengen area.

Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Tuesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavsky offered to include the restriction in the next package of EU sanctions targeting Russia, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to MFA Czechia.

"Czechia proposes to establish the restriction of the movement of Russian diplomatic mission staff and their family members only to the territory of the state where they are accredited. It is not right for Russian diplomats to take advantage of Schengen area. We will do our utmost to ensure that our proposal is included in the 13th sanctions package," Lipavsky said.

European ministers discussed the importance of continuing military and financial support to Ukraine and negotiations on a new European Peace Facility.

"Ukraine's security is also linked to our security. That is why we must continue to provide military and financial support to Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression," said the chief of Czech diplomacy.

The ministers welcomed the decision made by the European Commission to launch legislation screening in Ukraine and Moldova and prepare the framework for negotiations regarding the nations’ accession to the EU.

During the meeting, parties also exchanged views on the situation of the Middle East.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Czech Republic first announced its proposal regarding the expediency of restricting the movement of Russian diplomatic missions’ employees across the EU during the preliminary meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on December 11, 2023.

Photo: Pirátská strana