EU to extend Mediterranean mission to counter Russia's shadow fleet by 2 years

The EU intends to expand its naval mission in the Mediterranean Sea to counter Russia's shadow fleet and protect subsea infrastructure. According to a draft document, the operational timeline of the mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI will be extended until 31 March 2029.

Source: European Pravda, citing a draft document from the Council of the EU, as quoted by Euronews

Details: Originally established in 2020 to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, the mission was initially scheduled to conclude in March 2027. However, the European Commission plans to extend it for an additional two years with a budget allocation of €16.88 million, while significantly broadening its operational scope.

In June, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced that the operation had modified its rules of engagement and begun conducting inspections of vessels suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet.

In the updated mandate, curbing the operations of Russia's shadow fleet is explicitly defined as a key task of the operation. The document also places greater emphasis on maritime domain awareness, particularly identifying and monitoring illegal activities and threats to the EU's security and economic interests.

EU ambassadors approved the mission's updated mandate on Wednesday 30 September. Formal adoption is anticipated during the meeting of Economics and Finance Ministers on 9 October, after which it will be officially published.

Background:

• In early August, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI conducted an inspection of the tanker Toa Payoh – a vessel belonging to Russia's so-called shadow fleet – to verify its nationality and flag registration status.
• Earlier, France imposed a €1 million fine on the Russian shadow fleet tanker Tagor, which was detained in May. An investigation into another similar vessel is ongoing.

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