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

EU Declares Ban on LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy Should Be Determined by Individual Countries, Not Brussels

EU Declares Ban on LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy Should Be Determined by Individual Countries, Not Brussels

The Commission acknowledges that practices such as verbal abuse, coercion, isolation, forced medication, electric shocks, and physical and sexual abuse offer “no therapeutic value.” However, on Wednesday, the Commission announced plans to adopt a 2027 recommendation urging countries to ban conversion practices—a move campaign organizers consider a “missed opportunity.”
Thro

Read More

Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms Reportedly Excludes Investor Exits from 2026 Mumbai IPO Plan

Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms Reportedly Excludes Investor Exits from 2026 Mumbai IPO Plan

MUMBAI, India – May 11, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — highlights how Ambani business expansion continues gaining international attention as Reliance Industries strengthens its investments across retail, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors.
Led by Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries has transformed from a traditional energy company into one of As

Read More

Steps to Take If Your Landlord Won’t Return Your Deposit in Europe

Steps to Take If Your Landlord Won’t Return Your Deposit in Europe

The keys have been returned. The room is empty. You’ve cleaned the flat, provided your new address, and are waiting for the funds needed for your next home. Then the landlord stops responding—or claims the entire deposit is being retained for unspecified “damage” you’ve never witnessed. For tenants across Europe, especially students, migrants, and those moving between coun

Read More

Protecting Refugees or Circumventing Sanctions?

Protecting Refugees or Circumventing Sanctions?

A North London Charity May Be Serving as a Reputation-Laundering Vehicle for a Toxic Ukrainian Banker.

A small charity operating in a north London borough and focused on refugee assistance may soon come under the scrutiny of United Kingdom law enforcement.

There is a credible risk that a former Ukrainian banker, Mykola Lagun, currently evading Ukrainian justice from Vienna, may exploit

Read More

Roma Advocates Celebrate "Renewed Commitment" to Inclusion

Roma Advocates Celebrate "Renewed 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

French far right to Kylian Mbappé: Focus on playing football

French far right to Kylian Mbappé: Focus on playing football

“I know the outcome when Kylian Mbappé departs PSG: the club clinches the Champions League! (And maybe once more soon.)” Bardella expressed on X.
“He left PSG for Real Madrid, claiming it was to secure the Champions League. Meanwhile, PSG achieved it,” Le Pen stated in an interview with French radio RTL on Wednesday.
Le Pen and Bardella’s party has a history of a strained relationship with the co

Read More

"I Am Not Afraid of the Truth": An Interview with Konstantin Rudnev from Rawson Prison

"I Am Not Afraid of the Truth": An Interview with Konstantin Rudnev from Rawson Prison

In my previous investigation published in “The European Times” regarding Konstantin Rudnev, a Russian spiritual teacher detained in Argentina, readers reacted strongly. Many expressed disbelief that someone without followers, an organization, or a criminal record in Argentina could be held for over a year on charges the alleged victim denies. They sought more information and context b

Read More

Europe Raises Alarm Over Medicine Shortages After EU Approves Emergency Health Deal Brussels 2026

Europe Raises Alarm Over Medicine Shortages After EU Approves Emergency Health Deal Brussels 2026

BRUSSELS, Belgium – May 12, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — European healthcare crisis concerns escalated this week after the European Union reached a provisional agreement designed to reduce shortages of essential medicines across Europe. European officials described the agreement as a major step toward stabilizing healthcare systems facing growing pressure from supply chain disruptions, pharmaceuti

Read More

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