On January 28, 2026, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka introduced less strict travel rules for Russian diplomats within the Schengen area, easing previous EU-wide measures aimed at limiting Russian intelligence activities. Under the new rules, Russian diplomats accredited in other EU countries are only required to notify Czech authorities of visits, without needing prior approval from the Czech Foreign Ministry. This change reverses efforts by the previous government to tighten restrictions following the 2014 Vrbetice ammunition depot attack attributed to Russia's GRU intelligence service. Although most Russian diplomats were expelled, holders of Russian diplomatic passports could still enter through Schengen. The reform comes after EU measures took force under the current government, replacing plans not implemented under former minister Jan Lipavský.

On January 28, 2026, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka introduced less strict travel rules for Russian diplomats within the Schengen area, easing previous EU-wide measures aimed at limiting Russian intelligence activities. Under the new rules, Russian diplomats accredited in other EU countries are only required to notify Czech authorities of visits, without needing prior approval from the Czech Foreign Ministry. This change reverses efforts by the previous government to tighten restrictions following the 2014 Vrbetice ammunition depot attack attributed to Russia's GRU intelligence service. Although most Russian diplomats were expelled, holders of Russian diplomatic passports could still enter through Schengen. The reform comes after EU measures took force under the current government, replacing plans not implemented under former minister Jan Lipavský.