On Thursday, November 20, EU foreign ministers will discuss new sanctions against ships considered part of Russia's "shadow fleet", Bloomberg and EUObserver reported.
Members of the meeting will consider "enhancing engagement" with countries that register ships used to transport oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas in violation of sanctions. Bloomberg reports that the EU has conducted extensive diplomatic contacts with these countries and has been "largely successful" in persuading many of them to write off their ships.
Poland has suggested considering new initiatives, including allowing representatives of EU governments to board ships. It has suggested engaging shipping organizers and insurance companies to block the activities of the hidden fleet.
EUObserver reports that France and Germany have called on European navies to stop and seize unflagged ships in the future.
The new measures will be part of the EU's 20th package of sanctions. As of November 2025, 562 oil tankers are on the blacklist. Previous restrictions included bans on entry to European ports and a ban on EU companies from providing insurance services. In October, Politico reported that the EU was seeking to expand its powers to inspect ships.
Russia considers Western sanctions illegal and has vowed to prepare a proportionate response. "Attempts to inflict any damage or harm on us, including on the so-called shadow fleet, will also lead to common problems, primarily for those who are trying to harm us," President Vladimir Putin said.