Norway closes its ports for Russia/Channel 24 Collage
The Norwegian government has joined the fifth package of EU sanctions against Russia. Therefore, now the Norwegian ports for Russian ships are closed. The only exceptions are fishing vessels and the ports of the Svalbard archipelago.
Definitively, Norwegian ports will be closed to Russian ships on May 7th. Norway's sanctions are fully consistent with the fifth EU package, but have 1 exception.
Why the sanctions do not apply to the Svalbard archipelago
According to the Svalbard Treaty, Norway established its sovereignty over the archipelago, but pledged not to establish any military bases there and not to use it for military purposes. In addition, all signatories of the agreement over 50 have the right to carry out unhindered activities on the territory of the archipelago.
Among the signatories of the agreement is Russia, which replaced the USSR in the agreement. Therefore, Norway cannot ban Russian ships from entering the ports of Svalbard.
Sanctions do not affect fishing vessels, but about 40% of Russian ships do not, so they will not be able to enter Norwegian ports from May 7. Nevertheless, discussions are continuing in the government on fishing boats – the Liberal Party demands to close the ports for them too.
Closed ports for Russians: the main thing
- The EU has introduced the fifth package sanctions against Russia. In particular, it provides for the complete closure of ports for cargo ships.
- Since April 17, all EU countries with ports have closed them for Russian ships.
- The European Commission stressed that sanctions will not be allowed bypass the formal change of registration: the decision will also affect those who got rid of the Russian flag after February 24, 2022.
