Christine Drews Sieger
EU naval forces can now board vessels suspected of links to Russia’s shadow fleet under expanded powers granted to the bloc’s Mediterranean mission.
The European Union has expanded the powers of its Mediterranean naval mission, giving crews the authority to stop and inspect vessels suspected of ties to Russia’s shadow fleet.
Speaking after an informal gathering of EU defence ministers on Monday, Kaja Kallas outlined the new measures.
The decision is part of the EU’s efforts to limit the revenue Russia continues to generate from oil exports despite Western sanctions.
Created in 2020, Operation IRINI was tasked with overseeing enforcement of the UN arms embargo on Libya.
Kallas said recent changes to the mission framework now enable naval personnel to carry out inspections of vessels believed to be linked to the shadow fleet, United24 Media reports.
Targeting Oil Revenues
The term “shadow fleet” is commonly used to describe ageing tankers and shipping networks that enable Russian crude exports to move outside standard international monitoring and insurance frameworks.
EU governments argue that the network helps sustain a significant source of income for the Kremlin despite sanctions aimed at reducing export earnings, United24 Media reports.
“The idea is also to improve best practices for how different countries deal with these ships, because they genuinely pose a danger. And, of course, the aim is also to limit Russia’s ability to finance this war,” Kallas said.
Expanded European Effort
The latest changes expand the mission beyond its original mandate and integrate it more closely into the EU’s sanctions enforcement efforts.
Several European countries have increased their focus on these vessels in recent months. Critics have also raised concerns about the condition of many of the vessels and the potential hazards they present at sea.
The issue of the shadow fleet is expected to continue playing a central role in the EU’s sanctions policy, United24 Media reports.
At the same time, member states are discussing how cooperation on enforcing these restrictions can be further strengthened in the coming months.
Sources: United24 Media
