VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is among two EU member states resisting a proposed blanket ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, unless it secures backing from the G7. Alongside Greece, Malta is reportedly unwilling to support the measure without endorsement from the G7 group of leading economies — a prospect seen as unlikely. The proposed ban forms part of the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, which the European Commission aims to unveil next week to mark four years since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this month pledged a “full maritime services ban for Russian crude oil,” barring EU firms from servicing tankers carrying Russian oil. The move would deny ships access to European insurance and ports. However, von der Leyen indicated the ban would follow a G7 decision. Nordic and Baltic states are understood to be pushing for the ban regardless of G7 backing. Malta and Greece, which host major ship registries and ports, argue it could damage the bloc’s maritime competitiveness.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
