European Commission working on release of Lithuanian vessel
Following the detention of the Lithuanian fishing boat Juros Vilkas in a Russian port on 18 September, the European Commission continues its efforts to obtain the vessel's release.
In a letter, Commissioner Damanaki has reassured the Lithuanian Minister of Agriculture, Virginija Baltraitiene, of the support by the European Commission on releasing the vessel. Since the detention of the vessel, the Commission has worked closely with the Lithuanian authorities, the European Fisheries Control Agency, the European External Action Service and the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission to decide on the appropriate next steps.
Contact has been taken with the Russian authorities to clarify the specific allegations they have made, the nature of any alleged infringements, and the circumstances around which the vessel was boarded, redirected to port, and detained.
"I am very concerned by the forced detention of the Lithuanian vessel by Russian border guards,” said Commissioner Damanaki. "We are coordinating closely with the Lithuanian authorities and are doing our best to get the vessel released as soon as possible."
