EU NAVFOR 'is beginning to board vessels' of Russia's 'shadow fleet' in the Mediterranean, stated the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
The European Union's naval forces (EU NAVFOR) in the Mediterranean, as part of Operation IRINI, have been granted the right to conduct authorized inspections of ships that the EU considers part of Russia's 'shadow fleet'. This was announced at an informal meeting with the defense ministers of EU member states in Nicosia on Monday, June 8, by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. "Our Operation IRINI has changed the rules of engagement and is now also beginning to board vessels," Borrell's words were quoted by the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Josep Borrell: Ships of Russia's 'shadow fleet' pose a threat
According to Josep Borrell, the aim is to change 'best practices' as these ships 'do indeed pose a threat', and of course, it is about limiting Russia's ability to finance this war.
IRINI has been operating in the Mediterranean since March 2020. One of its initial goals was to stabilize the situation in Libya, which is engulfed in civil war, and to support the UN's efforts to establish peace in this North African country. The operation was aimed at ensuring compliance with the UN arms embargo on Libya using aerial, satellite, and maritime means.
As of September 2020, IRINI had three ships and five aircraft deployed, as well as 600 personnel provided by 21 EU member states.
