Overview
- An EEAS paper circulated ahead of EU foreign ministers’ talks urges backing for a maritime declaration that would let EU countries, working with flag states, board and inspect suspect tankers.
- The plan centers on bilateral pre-authorization arrangements for inspections, with a goal to finalize the declaration by end-November and then have Kaja Kallas seek Council approval to open negotiations.
- A 19th sanctions package is being prepared to raise listed vessels to about 560 and target enablers such as insurers, flag registries and bunkering services, and it would bring forward the EU LNG import ban to Jan. 1, 2027, according to a draft.
- The EEAS estimates the shadow fleet at 600–1,400 ships and warns they threaten navigation and the environment and can serve as platforms for hybrid attacks, including suspected drone operations.
- EU outreach to registries is intensifying, with Panama agreeing to deregister EU‑sanctioned ships and to stop registering vessels older than 15 years, while recent national boardings and G7 coordination are cited as momentum for tougher enforcement.