The European countries are uniting against Russia's "shadow fleet"

The European countries, including the Baltic states, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Finland, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Iceland, have united in joint actions against illegal maritime operations circumventing international sanctions. In the joint declaration, the countries emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to counter attempts by the Russian Federation to conceal its maritime operations through the use of vessels with unclear ownership, changing flags, and switched-off transponders - a practice known as the "shadow fleet".

The development of guiding principles is planned, aimed at encouraging responsible behavior at sea, strengthening the application of international maritime law, and increasing transparency in maritime operations. The countries warned that if vessels sail without a valid national flag in the Baltic and North Seas, actions will be taken in accordance with international law.

The new measures are a response to the growing network of Russian tankers and cargo ships used to circumvent restrictions on oil trade and other sanctioned goods.