Representatives from 12 EU countries (the Baltic states, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, France, and Sweden), along with Britain, Norway, and Iceland, called for enhanced counteraction to Russia’s attempts to evade international sanctions.
“We agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and ensure a joint and coordinated approach by our national authorities to combat the Russian shadow fleet,” the joint statement said.
Additionally, the group plans to develop principles “to promote responsible behavior at sea, strengthen compliance with international law, and ensure transparency of maritime operations.”
“If vessels do not sail under the right flag in the Baltic and North Seas, we will take appropriate measures within the framework of international law,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the EU will abandon its plans to lower the maximum export price for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, as the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran could cause prices for this raw material to rise, which would render the restrictions ineffective. As well, the proposal has not received US support.