EU response to risks posed by Russian shadow fleet in Union waters

Priority question for written answer P-000949/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pernille Weiss (PPE), Niels Fuglsang (S&D)

In March 2024, the Danish Maritime Authority confirmed that the oil tanker Andromeda Star, belonging to the Russian shadow fleet, had collided with an unmanned vessel in Danish waters. This incident highlights both the security risks posed by the shadow fleet that is undermining EU sanctions and the environmental risks posed by a potential collision causing an oil spill harming marine life.

In this context:

• 1.How can the Commission provide help to Member States whose waters vessels of the shadow fleet are crossing so as to prevent them from navigating in EU waters and circumventing sanctions?
• 2.What steps is the Commission taking, together with relevant international partners, to restrict the navigation of Russian shadow fleets and enforce the applicable sanctions on Russia?
• 3.If the Commission's assessment is that the EU lacks the legal tools or frameworks to prevent shadow fleets from traversing its waters, what are the reasons for this limitation?

Submitted:26.3.2024