Answer given by Ms Albuquerque on behalf of the European Commission

3.6.2025

To date, the EU has designated a total of 342 vessels contributing to Russia's warfare against Ukraine. A number of those are part of Russia’s shadow fleet, circumventing the oil price cap and supporting Russia’s energy sector.

The EU will continue to work with Member States and partners to further close related networks. In parallel, the EU will continue to engage with flag states and third countries to raise awareness of the circumvention and environmental risks linked to the shadow fleet.

When it comes to monitoring ships’ activity, including those belonging to the shadow fleet, the EU uses the maritime information and exchange system established under Directive 2002/59/EC (VTMIS Directive)[1]. That information is complemented with certain commercial data though not from Vortexa.

The Honourable Member refers to the export of oil from Russia to, for example, India, where it is refined into another product such as diesel.

This new product can then be exported to the EU, as according to the EU’s non-preferential rules of origin this product is not of Russian origin. This is not contrary to EU sanctions. Such exports constitute only a fraction of the EU’s total demand for refined products.

• [1] OJ L 208, 5.8.2002, p. 10-27.