Coastal states share a vital responsibility to ensure that international sanctions are enforced effectively and consistently particularly in countering the growing risks posed by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. This was stressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign affairs and Tourism Ian Borg as he opened the 2026 Sanctions Monitoring Board Annual Conference in Valletta highlighting the need for coordinated, lawful and targeted action to prevent sanctions circumvention while safeguarding international maritime law and legitimate trade.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ian Borg underscored Malta’s commitment to strengthening oversight, compliance, and cooperation in line with international and European sanctions frameworks. Evolving regulatory demands and geopolitical developments are reshaping the global sanctions landscape, placing increased responsibilities on Malta not only as an EU and UN Member State, but also as a maritime jurisdiction, and as a trusted participant in the international financial system.

“Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine remains a grave threat to European security, prompting successive EU sanctions packages designed to deny access to dual-use and military-relevant technologies,” he added.

Malta also continued to demonstrate its leadership with the establishment of the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring in Valletta, which has become an essential platform for coordinated action to dismantle the business model sustaining the shadow fleet. The Deputy Prime Minister commended the Sanctions Monitoring Board for strengthening its engagement with the relevant authorities and private stakeholders, providing more operational guidance towards consistent implementation. This effort was also supported by the legislative enhancements adopted by Parliament in 2025, ensuring that Malta’s sanctions framework remains robust and enforceable.

He also emphasized the crucial role of the private sector. “From financial institutions and corporate service providers to maritime, aviation, gaming, and fintech operators, your daily decisions directly protect Malta’s national security and international reputation. Our credibility and resilience depend on our collective commitment to act decisively and responsibly in an increasingly unstable world,” he concluded.