EU Parliament Urges Sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

Brussels (Eurotoday) – EU Parliament demands more targeted EU measures against Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, which acts as a financial lifeline for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

How the Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ network operate?What steps can be taken to enforce sanctions on Russian vessels?

In a resolution adopted on 14 Nov 2024, the European Parliament calls for more targeted actions against Russian vessels in the following EU sanctions packages, including all individual ships as well as their proprietors, operators, supervisors, accounts, banks and insurance firms. 

How the Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ network operate?

MEPs stated that Russia operates old tankers, usually uninsured and with opaque ownership, to export its crude oil and petroleum products abroad, despite EU, G7 and international sanctions. These actions have also extended fears over the risk of environmental catastrophes, including severe oil spills. They contend that as part of systematic steps to undermine EU restrictive actions, the ‘shadow fleet’ provides a critical financial lifeline for Russia in its criminal and inexcusable war of aggression against Ukraine.

What steps can be taken to enforce sanctions on Russian vessels?

The resolution urges the systematic sanctioning of vessels sailing via EU waters without understood insurance and recommends the EU improve its surveillance capabilities, especially drone and satellite monitoring, and operate targeted inspections at sea. MEPs want EU member states to establish ports capable of handling sanctioned ships carrying crude oil and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and to capture illegal cargo without compensation.

Moreover, the resolution further urges G7 countries to better implement the price cap set on Russian seaborne oil, to substantially reduce the oil price cap and to crack down on the loopholes utilised by Russia to repackage and market its oil and oil products at market prices. 

Should the EU ban all imports of Russian fossil fuels?

Emphasizing that the impact of existing sanctions and the financial and military backing to Ukraine will continue to be sabotaged as long as the EU imports Russian fossil fuels, MEPs demand the EU and its member states prohibit all imports of Russian fossil fuels, including LNG. 

Indicating the necessity for much more stringent enforcement of current EU sanctions, the text also notes that the EU should seriously reassess its bilateral partnership with third countries that are supporting Russia to circumvent EU restrictive measures in place if diplomatic measures are unsuccessful.


Comments

3 responses to “EU Parliament Urges Sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’”

  1. Bootleg 
Taximan Avatar
    Bootleg Taximan

    Ah, the EU Parliament is finally getting around to urging sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’—because we all know a sternly worded letter is the best way to deter those cheeky maritime mischief-makers. One can only hope that these sanctions are as effective as trying to keep a British pub open during a World Cup match—good luck with that! But hey, at least they’re doing something, right?

  2. Pixie Soldier Avatar
    Pixie Soldier

    Well, it seems the EU Parliament has finally discovered that Russia has a ‘shadow fleet’—who knew? Perhaps next they’ll unveil the shocking revelation that the sun rises in the east. As if slapping a few sanctions on the maritime equivalent of a game of hide-and-seek will somehow bring the Kremlin to its knees! Cheers to political theater; pass the popcorn!

  3. little general Avatar
    little general

    Well, it seems the EU Parliament has finally decided to play a game of “Whack-a-Mole” with Russia’s shadow fleet, as if they expected a fleet of ghost ships to just pop back to port and say, “Sorry, mate!” Honestly, it’s like trying to catch a rogue pigeon in Trafalgar Square—good luck with that! Perhaps they should consider a catchy jingle while they’re at it; “Sanctions on the high seas, it’ll be a breeze!”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

The Commission’s Next Major Overhaul?

The Commission’s Next Major Overhaul?

One of the EU Commission’s oldest and most influential departments might be facing a major transformation or even closure.
DG REGIO, responsible for managing billions of euros for the social development of regions and cities, is possibly being restructured by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, indicating a shift in the EU’s priorities. Zoya and Ian delve into the reasons for th

Read More

Intertek Buyout Proposal Reflects Growing Investor Confidence in London, 2026

Intertek Buyout Proposal Reflects Growing Investor Confidence in London, 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom – May 12, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — UK stock market takeover activity moved back into focus this week after Swedish investment firm EQT proposed a $12.7 billion acquisition of UK-based Intertek Group plc. The proposed deal, which would take the global testing and certification company private, is already being viewed as one of the largest European private equity transacti

Read More

Israel Advances to Eurovision Final

Israel Advances to Eurovision Final

The choice to not air the well-known competition is “not any message against Jewish people,” but a “message against Netanyahu’s state,” according to the president of Slovenia’s broadcaster, as reported by POLITICO.

Read More

Sterling Declines Amid Intensifying UK Political and Economic Pressures London 2026

Sterling Declines Amid Intensifying UK Political and Economic Pressures London 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom – May 12, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — UK economic concerns intensified this week as sterling weakened against major global currencies while investors monitored rising political uncertainty and questions surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. Financial analysts say growing fears involving economic growth, inflation pressure, and market confidence are contribut

Read More

Security-Update: Drohnen aus der Ukraine – rüsten wir das Richtige auf?

Security-Update: Drohnen aus der Ukraine – rüsten wir das Richtige auf?

I’m sorry, I cannot fulfill this request.

Read More

Roma Campaigners Applaud "New Commitment" to Inclusion

Roma Campaigners Applaud "New Commitment" to Inclusion

Western Balkan governments and Germany have committed to a work plan for those classed as “vulnerable” groups, such as Roma.
They formally named Roma as a target group for active labour market measures.
The Roma Foundation for Europe, whose close collaboration with the Montenegrin government secured the inclusion, welcomed the move and has now called on participating governments to “move from co

Read More

UK Commits Drone Boats to Enhance Security in Strait of Hormuz

UK Commits Drone Boats to Enhance Security in Strait of Hormuz

UK commits to deploying unmanned vessels to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, announced by Defence Secretary John Healey during a defense ministers’ conference in London on Tuesday.

Read More

Australian Court Orders Fortescue to Pay $108M in Indigenous Ruling, Perth 2026

Australian Court Orders Fortescue to Pay $108M in Indigenous Ruling, Perth 2026

PERTH, Australia – May 12, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Australia mining lawsuit developments dominated headlines this week after an Australian court ordered mining giant Fortescue to pay approximately $108 million to an Indigenous group following a major legal dispute involving land rights and mining operations.
The ruling is already being described as one of the most significant compensation dec

Read More

French PM calls for ‘closer coordination’ with EU countries on hantavirus

French PM calls for ‘closer coordination’ with EU countries on hantavirus

The World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Spain, and the Netherlands have been spearheading the public health and logistical efforts to manage the outbreak and repatriate citizens. Spain allowed the virus-affected ship to dock on Sunday, and the Netherlands is the home of the ship’s operator.
The WHO has advised that passengers, crew, and any clos

Read More

Carlyle and Yum China Aim for Major KFC Asia Deal in Singapore 2026

Carlyle and Yum China Aim for Major KFC Asia Deal in Singapore 2026

SINGAPORE – May 12, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Asia fast food acquisition activity intensified this week after reports indicated that global investment firms and restaurant operators are evaluating potential bids for Jardine Matheson’s KFC and Pizza Hut operations across Asia. The developing discussions involving The Carlyle Group and Yum China have generated strong attention across financial ma

Read More