Under one idea, Russian diplomats would need permission to travel between Schengen countries. Currently, they only have to notify authorities 24 hours before leaving the country where they are based.
Poland, which has long pushed for EU-wide measures, has already imposed its own restrictions. It argues that Russians use diplomatic cover to take part in sabotage and to spread disinformation and manipulation.
The talks began only now, after fresh cases of suspected Russian sabotage in Poland, Germany, the Baltic states and Romania. European security services expect more.
Also back on the table is a requirement for Russians to hold biometric passports. Poland no longer recognises non-biometric ones.
Officials are also reconsidering limits on tourist visas. Poland's deputy interior minister, Maciej Duszczyk, said last week after a meeting of EU interior ministers in Luxembourg that the bloc's tone had shifted. He told Polish Radio and PAP he expects fewer visas to be issued to Russian tourists next year.
A ban on entry for former Russian soldiers remains unresolved. The European Commission proposed it in its draft 21st sanctions package, but member states failed to agree unanimously. The Commission is expected to prepare guidelines on restrictions.
(jh)
Source: Polish Radio