On Monday 20 October, the foreign affairs ministers discussed ways of strengthening European sanctions against the Russian ‘shadow fleet’.
“Moscow’s ‘shadow fleet’ finances the Russian war and serves as a springboard for hybrid attacks”, denounced EU High Representative Kaja Kallas at the end of the ‘Foreign Affairs’ Council in Luxembourg, adding that a “firmer” European approach against this fleet was needed to further reduce Russian military funding.
According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ comprises between 600 and 1,400 vessels that “not only contribute to the Russian war economy, but also pose threats to the environment and safety of shipping”.
“We will continue to put pressure on the ‘shadow fleet’, i.e. the ships that allow Russia to continue exporting oil despite the sanctions and restrictions decided jointly with our G7 partners. We are going to hinder the movement of these ships after sanctioning them”, promised the French minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, on his arrival at the EU Council.
Ms Kallas announced the appointment of a Special Envoy, who will be responsible for collecting best practice from the various EU Member States. “The Russians are very creative and we have to be too”, she explained.
According to one source, the coordinator will be Maciej Stadejek of Poland, Director of Security and Defence Policy at the EEAS.
In a working document seen by Agence Europe, the EEAS explains that “EU Member States are showing a growing interest in stronger coercive measures against the ‘shadow fleet’”.
The ministers discussed increased powers to board vessels belonging to the Russian ‘shadow fleet’. In its document, the EEAS highlights the possibility of bilateral agreements between flag States and the EU on pre-authorised boardings for inspection purposes.
The Diplomatic Service also advocates continuing to raise awareness among flag States. “EU delegations and the International Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions will continue to raise awareness among priority flag and coastal states that provide or facilitate logistical support and bunkering services to the ‘shadow fleet’”, the document states.
According to the EEAS, the registers of third-country flags should be brought into line with the application of EU sanctions and the practice whereby deregistered EU ships can obtain the flag of a third country to escape sanctions should be limited. The EU also wants to mobilise its tools to support and encourage flag states to deregister sanctioned vessels.
Member States are also encouraged to “actively” exploit all the possibilities offered by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as by the relevant national legislation, to disrupt the activities of the ‘shadow fleet’.
The continuation of sanctions against additional vessels and operators in the ‘shadow fleet’ ecosystem, “such as insurers and flag registries, building on measures taken since the 14th and up to the 19th sanctions package”, is highlighted. Once the 19th package is adopted, 562 ships will be penalised. “Additional measures could include the provision of logistical support to the ships of the ‘shadow fleet’, including the supply of oil”, adds the EEAS.
The EU also intends to issue alerts or guidelines to ship operators and owners, informing them that any reflagging from EU registers to carry Russian oil in breach of EU sanctions carries a high risk of sanctions.
The strengthening of international coordination, particularly with NATO, is also emphasised.
According to draft European Council conclusions dated 17 October, EU leaders could call for further measures to disrupt the operation of the Russian ‘shadow fleet’, including an effective response to the significant environmental and safety risks posed by this fleet, “in particular by strengthening the enforcement of environmental and maritime safety standards and intensifying cooperation with flag States”.
See the draft conclusions of the European Council: https://aeur.eu/f/j1e
Energy. At the EU Council meeting, the ministers also called on the European Commission to propose additional measures to support Ukraine’s energy security, as Russia continues to target Ukrainian facilities. They also agreed to contact third countries to obtain repair equipment and increase gas deliveries to Ukraine. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)