A document from the European Union's diplomatic branch, the EEAS (European External Action Service), shows that it is urging its member states to support a maritime declaration which would allow EU countries working with flag state to arrange inspections of Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers.

The latest EU proposal is to strengthen inspection rights in order to curb the Russian oil and gas revenues that are used by Moscow for financing the Ukraine War. On Monday, EU foreign ministers will meet to discuss new sanctions against Russia and other topics.

Early October, the Group of Seven Industrialised Economies (G7) decided to work together towards this goal. They will target countries who help Moscow circumvent sanctions and those that have increased Russian crude oil imports.

The EEAS background document stated that "EU Member States are increasingly demonstrating a renewed enthusiasm for stronger enforcement actions against the shadow fleet" (for example France's actions against the Boracay ship, Estonia's actions on Kiwala in the past, Germany's actions on Eventin, and Finland’s actions on Eagle S).

The draft declaration proposed "possible bilateral agreement between the flag state and the EU regarding pre-authorized boardings for Inspections", adding that a rise in false flag registrations was also a problem.

Brussels sanctioned more than 400 vessels and entities that enabled the fleet to operate.

After the EU approves the 19th set of sanctions, which is likely to happen within the next few days, this number will increase to 560 vessels. A ban on Russian LNG imports (liquefied natural gases) will be imposed a year earlier - Jan. 1, 2020. The EEAS stated that the EU will also target tanker refuelling services (also known as bunkering). (Reporting and editing by Helen Popper; Jan Strupczewski and Julia Payne)

(source: Reuters)