The European Commission calls on member states to cooperate for inspections of the "ghost fleet" tankers, in order to limit Moscow's revenues.

The European Commission, through the European External Action Service (EEAS), has asked EU member states to support a maritime declaration that would allow collaboration with flag countries to conduct inspections on oil tankers from the phantom fleet used by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions. This initiative aims to reduce Russia's revenues, thereby affecting its ability to finance the war in Ukraine. At the beginning of October, the G7 agreed to collaborate to target countries that assist Russia in this endeavor. The EEAS document highlights the recent actions of member states, such as France, Estonia, Germany, and Finland, against ships from the phantom fleet. It is estimated that between 600 and 1,400 vessels are part of this fleet, and the EU has included over 400 on the sanctions list. Recently, France seized an oil tanker, an action considered by Putin as "piracy," while Macron emphasized the importance of this measure in reducing Russia's capacity to sustain its war effort.