Pressure on Russia must be increased

As journalists managed to find out, the European External Action Service was the first to make such a proposal.

First of all, it is about providing the bloc's members with an additional tool to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement measures, including creating grounds for inspecting "shadow fleet" vessels.

The Europeans intend to conclude bilateral agreements between flag states (i.e. the states under whose flag the vessels sail — ed.) and the EU on pre-authorized inspections.

If everything goes well, the head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, "will appeal to the Council (EU — ed.) to start negotiations on concluding bilateral agreements with certain flag states."

The issue of "shadow fleet" vessels has significant implications for the European Union, as they not only contribute to strengthening Russia's military economy, but also pose a threat to the environment and shipping safety.