Brussels prepares fresh sanctions package targeting shadow fleet operators

The European External Action Service is finalising what would be the bloc’s 19th sanctions package against Russia, this time focused on the shadow fleet of tankers and intermediaries facilitating circumvention of the G7 oil price cap mechanism.

Three diplomatic sources confirmed to EuroInsight that the package will include around 80 individual designations and 35 vessel listings, alongside enforcement measures targeting flag-of-convenience jurisdictions.

The package is expected to be presented to Council working groups next week and could be adopted before the end of June. Member States have been broadly supportive, though concerns about secondary impacts on neutral shipping have surfaced in technical discussions.