Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:119. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the implementation of EU sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet. [51747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 July 2026
Ceisteanna (119)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland supports strong sanctions on the Shadow Fleet introduced by the EU. Following agreement of the 20th package in April a total of 632 vessels have been listed under EU sanctions.
In June, the European Council reiterated the importance of further reducing Russia’s energy revenues, curbing its Shadow Fleet operations and further constraining its banking system. The European Council noted that undermining the Russian Shadow Fleet’s business model requires a ‘whole of route’ approach and coordination among Member States and with partners, including a common approach to addressing the significant environmental, security and maritime safety risks posed by such vessels
During our Presidency, Ireland will continue to support further EU measures to raise the costs to Russia by targeting the Shadow Fleet and its enablers. These vessels not only evade sanctions, but pose significant security, environmental and economic risks. More generally, Ireland is actively participating in a range of work streams to address the risks posed by the Shadow Fleet including diplomatic outreach to third states, information sharing and monitoring, along with work on assessing options under IMO Resolutions and Guidelines.
At a national level, I am currently progressing new legislation through the Oireachtas that aims to help to protect and defend our territorial sea and internal waters and protect the sovereign rights of the State in our exclusive economic zone. These provisions are particularly relevant in today’s increasingly volatile geopolitical situation, which is resulting in new and evolving threats in the maritime domain.
I am progressing these amendments, as a matter of urgency, as it is a priority for me and the Government to ensure that the Defence Forces have the powers they need to respond to emerging threats in our maritime zones, particularly from vessels linked to the Russian Shadow Fleet.