EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Policy Kaja Kallas said that the EU welcomes the member states' arrest of foreign oil tankers transporting Russian oil and considers this the most effective measure at present.
After the US decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil, Europe will still maintain sanctions and continue to reduce dependence on fossil fuels from Russia," Ms. Kaja Kallas emphasized.
Increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet is one of the most effective tools we have. I welcome France, Belgium and Sweden for inspecting and arresting ships flying fake flags," the EU's foreign affairs chief added.
The EU currently includes more than 500 oil tankers in the sanctions list. Since last year, some member states have begun to seize these ships near waters under their sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is still promoting a plan to completely ban Russian oil imports. The agency recommends that all EU countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, prepare for this scenario.
Speaking at a press conference on March 16, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said: "The European Commission intends to submit a proposal to ban oil imports from Russia. There are already sanctions, but there are still 2 countries exempted. We will propose to change this, so all countries need to prepare for the new situation.
