1. The European Union welcomes today’s thematic meeting on this important topic and thanks the Slovenian Chair of the Economic and Environmental Committee for convening this timely exchange. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Finnish Chairpersonship, the speakers, and all other delegations who have contributed to this meeting. We reaffirm our strong support for the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, which includes addressing economic and environmental challenges as integral to stability and peace. The EU is committed to strengthening environmental integrity and maritime security as essential pillars of resilience, prosperity and security in the OSCE region and beyond.

2. The maritime domain remains a vital artery of global commerce and connectivity. However, it also faces increasing risks: from environmental degradation and unregulated maritime activity to geopolitical tensions and climate-induced hazards. These vulnerabilities are being exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues to cause irreparable harm to ecosystems in Ukraine and beyond, damage critical infrastructure, and disrupt global supply chains. 

3. One of the most concerning emerging trends in this context is the rise of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”: stateless or falsely flagged vessels, partly consisting of old and unseaworthy oil tankers. This fleet facilitates the evasion of sanctions, and poses serious environmental, maritime and security risks. It also threatens international trade, critical undersea infrastructure, and the integrity of maritime regulations. 

4. In response, the Council of the European Union adopted on 20 May 2025 its largest ever sanctions package targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This package doubles the number of vessels subject to a port access ban and the prohibition of a broad range of services, bringing the total to 342 designated ships. These vessels, many originating from third countries, are responsible for transporting Russian oil using irregular and high-risk shipping practices, thereby undermining maritime regulations, safety standards, and environmental norms. Restrictive measures on the “shadow fleet” are intended to dismantle its operational capacity, thereby reducing the oil revenues that support Russia's war economy. The European Commission is actively working with international partners, and the private sector to identify additional vessels, including with the support of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

5. In addition, the EU has imposed individual sanctions, assets freeze and prohibition to make funds available, on actors enabling the operations of the shadow fleet. These include shipping companies engaging in dangerous practices at sea while transporting Russian oil, as well as one important insurer of the Russian oil shipping industry. Since the EU introduced the oil price cap and sanctions on the shadow fleet, relevant Russian revenues have decreased by €38 billion. In March 2025 alone, Russian revenues were 13.7% lower than in March 2023 and 20.3% below those in March 2022. To further curb Russia’s revenue sources, the EU has also imposed restrictive measures on Surgutneftegaz, a major Russian oil company, and on a key Russian oil shipping firm, both of which provide substantial income to the Russian government and directly fuel its war effort. 

6. We believe that the OSCE should continue contributing to addressing and alleviating the devastating impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine’s environment and economy, including by strengthening disaster risk management, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and supporting water resource management. The environmental and economic damage caused by Russia’s war of aggression affects common global security. The EU remains fully engaged in promoting sustainable, secure, and resilient maritime and inland waterway systems. In this context, we highlight the continued relevance of OSCE  Ministerial decisions on maritime co-operation and on reducing the environmental footprint of energy-related activities.

7. The EU recalls the outcomes of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, held in Nice on 9-13 June, which highlighted the strategic importance of healthy and secure oceans for international peace and stability. Enhanced cooperation in ocean science directly supports efforts to counter illegal fishing, environmental crimes, and unregulated maritime activity. At the same time, the maritime sector faces urgent environmental challenges, especially due to its dependence on heavy fuel oils. 

8. As the world becomes more interconnected and interdependent, the resilience of global supply chains has become a strategic imperative. The EU supports efforts to diversify supply routes, invest in green and digital infrastructure, and improve crisis preparedness. The EU stands ready to continue working with OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to address the challenges and opportunities in this area. The OSCE’s Second Dimension should remain a platform for meaningful discussions on addressing environmental and maritime security, and for defining effective responses that protect communities and ensure our common security. 

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro,North Macedonia, San Marino and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.