The European Union is close to approving the next, 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The package may be agreed upon at the level of EU ambassadors as early as May 14, 2025. The new round of restrictions, including measures against the “shadow fleet” and expanding blacklists, will be part of Brussels’ strategy to weaken Moscow’s economic and military capabilities. The final approval of the sanctions is expected to take place at a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on May 20.

Discussions on the 17th package of sanctions took place without significant disagreements, which demonstrates the unity of European capitals on the issue of countering Russia. Only a few delegations asked for additional time to analyze the latest amendments proposed by the European Commission.

One of the central measures will be to expand the blacklist of ships that are part of the so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions on oil exports. According to Reuters, the list could include up to 200 vessels. These ships, often registered in offshore zones and flying the flags of third countries, allow oil supplies to continue to bypass Western restrictions. As Bloomberg notes, the “shadow fleet” accounted for up to 2024% of Russian oil exports in 70, making it a priority target for the EU.