According to the provided report, Cyprus and Malta have raised clear concerns that new proposals targeting Russia should not hinder legitimate maritime activity. Their message comes as EU and G7 members discuss tightening restrictions on Russia’s oil exports and the services that support them.
Growing Pressure on Russia Raises Maritime Risks
Officials are examining whether the existing price-cap mechanism should be replaced with broader limits on the maritime sector. This includes the possibility of restricting shipping services tied to Russian oil exports. Both Cyprus and Malta caution that such steps must avoid undermining compliant operators that follow international regulations.
The report notes that Cyprus sees room for a more comprehensive strategy, one that addresses sanctions evasion while preserving the integrity of regulated maritime services. Malta also stresses that keeping maritime activity within established oversight frameworks remains essential for maintaining safety, standards and transparency.
A Sector with Significant Exposure
Russia continues to move large volumes of oil using global fleets, and a blanket ban on maritime services could shift operations away from jurisdictions that enforce higher compliance standards. The concern expressed by EU maritime nations reflects the risk that legitimate operators could be disadvantaged while less-regulated actors fill the gap.
Other EU voices also urged a balanced approach and pointed out that discussions about strengthening enforcement are expected to shape the next round of measures heading into early 2026.
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Source: Reuters
