On Thursday, the European Commission revealed that the tanker believed to have damaged the energy transmission cable between Finland and Estonia is part of the so-called Russian tanker fleet. The Commission plans to propose additional sanctions related to this incident.
The situation involves aging tankers transporting Russian oil, particularly in the Baltic Sea, as Russia attempts to evade EU sanctions that restrict the sale of its crude oil. Currently, 72 out of an estimated 600 Russian tankers linked to this clandestine fleet are blacklisted. Poland, among other nations, is pushing for more vessels to be added to the sanctions list and for enhanced cooperation with non-EU countries to combat this shadow fleet.
The European Commission stated, “The incident involving the submarine cables in the Baltic Sea is the latest in a series of possible attacks on critical infrastructure.” They praised Finnish authorities for promptly boarding the suspicious vessel and confirmed their collaboration in the ongoing investigation.
On Wednesday, the Estlink 2 power cable, which connects Finland and Estonia beneath the Baltic Sea, was found to be severed. Finnish authorities reported on Thursday that the tanker Eagle S, part of the suspected Russian shadow fleet, was likely responsible. It was noted that the ship’s anchors were not properly secured.
“We strongly condemn any intentional destruction of critical infrastructure in Europe,” the Commission stated.
The EC highlighted that the suspected vessel is part of the Russian shadow fleet, which poses risks to both security and the environment while also contributing to the financing of the Russian war budget. They announced plans to propose further actions, including sanctions, to target this fleet.
In response to these developments, the European Commission aims to enhance the protection of submarine cables, including improving information sharing among countries.
According to the Commission, there is currently no threat to the stability of electricity supply in the region. (26.12.2024)
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