EU enhances sanctions, protection plans for underwater infrastructure

The European Union is intensifying its efforts to safeguard critical underwater infrastructure and curb illegal activities linked to the so-called "shadow fleet."

This follows the European Commission's recent proposal for an action plan aimed at protecting European underwater infrastructure, primarily focused on the Baltic Sea. The plan outlines key sanctions against the shadow fleet vessels and their operators, a measure that aims to tackle the increasing threats to both the environment and European security, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

In an address to journalists, an EU representative revealed that a list of 79 shadow fleet vessels is already in place, banning them from entering European ports and accessing port services. The EU is also considering expanding this list as part of its upcoming 16th sanctions package.

These vessels are believed to play a critical role in fueling Russia's military operations by circumventing existing sanctions, while also posing environmental risks. The EU official confirmed that measures would be taken to respond to the actions of these vessels, underscoring the bloc's determination to protect its underwater assets and preserve environmental integrity.

In parallel with this development, the European Commission is exploring further options to bolster its financial support to Ukraine, including the potential use of frozen Russian assets. This announcement came from Anitta Hipper, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during a briefing in Brussels.

Following the imposition of sanctions on Russia after the onset of the war in Ukraine, the EU and G7 countries froze nearly 300 billion euros of Russian foreign currency reserves. While the EU has yet to provide clarity on the legality of using these frozen assets, Hipper confirmed that all possibilities are being considered to ensure continued financial assistance to Ukraine.

The EU’s comprehensive approach not only aims to respond to immediate security threats but also addresses long-term measures to protect vital infrastructure. The new roadmap proposed by the Commission includes enhanced efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to threats targeting underwater infrastructure, such as submarine cables in the Baltic Sea.

A significant aspect of the plan is the enforcement of sanctions within existing regimes, which will target the shadow fleet and its operations. Furthermore, a special hub will be created to collect and process information on underwater infrastructure, strengthening cooperation between European intelligence services.

This multifaceted strategy, slated for implementation between 2025 and 2026, extends beyond the Baltic Sea and will encompass the entire underwater infrastructure of the EU, including the Black Sea and Mediterranean. As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, the EU is taking proactive steps to fortify its security and economic resilience, with far-reaching implications for both regional stability and global cooperation.

Meanwhile, despite the European Union’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies, EU countries are still importing a significant portion of natural gas from Russia, with imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) seeing an uptick.

At a briefing in Brussels, Spokesperson of the European Commission Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed that while the EU has successfully reduced its natural gas imports from Russia by two-thirds, approximately 13 per cent of the bloc's natural gas still comes from Russian sources.

"We have given up two-thirds of Russian gas, but so far the countries import 13 per cent of Russian natural gas... LNG imports from Russia are increasing," Itkonen stated.

The increase in LNG imports comes despite the EU’s commitment to reducing its dependence on Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The bloc has sought to diversify its energy sources by importing gas from alternative suppliers, including the United States and various Middle Eastern countries. However, the ongoing purchase of LNG from Russia indicates a continued reliance on Russian energy in some EU member states.

By Vafa Guliyeva