The European Union is not doing enough to halt Russia's "shadow fleet" from transporting sanctioned oil, according to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. She stated that greater cooperation is required to prevent vessels carrying illegal goods from traversing European waters.
Metsola emphasized the need for more decisive action, including the impounding of additional vessels. Russia continues to utilize this shadow fleet to export crude oil in defiance of Western sanctions. While the EU has enacted 19 sanction packages, Metsola called for a 20th regime to strengthen enforcement.
She criticized the continued purchase of Russian oil and gas by European countries, calling it "unacceptable" as it inadvertently or overtly funds Russia's war. The EU has moved to ban Russian gas imports and is considering a similar ban on oil.
Metsola acknowledged that while progress has been made in identifying and addressing the shadow fleet, the issue is not yet resolved. Vessels are reportedly changing flags and registrations illegally, highlighting the need for a faster response from the EU.