Speaking after a European Council meeting, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg announced that he has requested the EU Council to work to ensure that risky vessels are kept away from European shores. Referring to the Russian shadow fleet, with one of its vessels currently drifting offshore outside Maltese waters after it was attacked by drones, the Foreign Affairs Minister also said that Mediterranean countries are in full solidarity with Malta and have offered their assistance.
Hurd’s Bank and the waters outside it are a high risk area as it is frequently used by the Russian shadow fleet to trade oil or navigate waters.
Local authorities have prohibited navigation near the wreckage of the Arctic Metagaz, which is currently located at 35°24′ N, 14°27′ E, about 37 nautical miles south of Malta . Vessels are to keep away from the wreckage by up to 5 nautical miles. The Maltese government plans to contract a private company to salvage the wreckage of the ship if it enters Maltese waters.
Malta’s Foreign Affairs Minister also said that the European Council discussed European security, the Strait of Hormuz and strengthening Europe’s support for Ukraine.
Negotiations between France and Iran failed to allow European ships to pass through the Strait. President Donald Trump is requesting NATO allies to help the US police the Strait, but it is unclear how the US can achieve full control of the Strait without deploying boots on the ground, as the IRGC pledged to continue fighting until they win the war.
Prior to US President Donald Trump’s requests, the EU was already considering extending its naval mission to the Strait but developments at sea and on the ground are also changing with the IRGC in control of the Strait.
Newsroom
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