BRUSSELS, June 20 (Chatnewstv.com) — Fourteen European countries and the United Kingdom on Wednesday pledged coordinated action to combat Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, accusing Moscow of using stateless and falsely flagged vessels to evade sanctions and endanger maritime security.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers and representatives of Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the UK vowed to tighten enforcement efforts in the Baltic and North Seas and beyond.
“We call for further joint and coordinated action to effectively address Russian attempts to circumvent international sanctions,” the statement read. “Russia’s destabilising actions have strengthened our resolve to protect maritime security, safety, the marine environment and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.”
Officials expressed particular concern about stateless ships and vessels using false flags to mask their identities, warning that such vessels are not entitled to protections under international law, including the freedom of navigation outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“If vessels fail to fly a valid flag in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, we will take appropriate action within international law,” the statement said.
The governments agreed to create a joint set of guidelines aimed at promoting responsible maritime behavior, enhancing transparency, and ensuring greater compliance with global maritime rules.
They also highlighted the broader risks posed by the shadow fleet, including threats to marine ecosystems, undersea infrastructure, and the global shipping industry.
“The risks posed by the shadow fleet extend far beyond the Baltic and North Seas and could have global impact,” the ministers said. “We call on others to join our efforts.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
