European coastal countries join forces to tackle Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’
- Date: 2024-11-15 14:00
- Source: Government.nl
Introduction
European coastal countries are stepping up their efforts to address the issue of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of vessels, which are used to evade sanctions and carry out illicit activities.
What is the shadow fleet?
The shadow fleet refers to a network of vessels that are owned or controlled by Russian entities but are registered under flags of convenience (FOCs) in countries with lax regulations. This allows them to operate outside the reach of international law and sanctions.
Why is it a problem?
The shadow fleet is used by Russia to:
- Evade sanctions imposed by the European Union and other countries in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
- Transport illicit goods, such as oil, gas, and weapons.
- Conduct intelligence gathering and other covert operations.
What are the risks?
The shadow fleet poses a significant risk to European security and stability. It could be used to:
- Smuggle weapons and other contraband into Europe.
- Provide logistical support to terrorist groups.
- Conduct cyber attacks or other malicious activities.
What are European countries doing?
European coastal countries are working together to address the threat posed by the shadow fleet. They are:
- Sharing information: Countries are sharing intelligence on the whereabouts and activities of shadow fleet vessels.
- Enforcing sanctions: Countries are stepping up their efforts to enforce sanctions against Russian entities and vessels.
- Targeting the enablers: Countries are targeting the companies and individuals who provide services to the shadow fleet, such as registration, insurance, and bunkering.
- Developing new technologies: Countries are working to develop new technologies to track and identify shadow fleet vessels.
Conclusion
The shadow fleet is a serious threat to European security and stability. European coastal countries are working together to address this threat and protect their citizens.
European coastal countries working together to address Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’
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