The EU is planning joint naval patrols to protect infrastructure from the threat of the Russian Federation

The EU is considering joint maritime patrols and naval exercises to combat Russian spy ships and protect critical maritime infrastructure.

The Financial Times reports about this, as “European Truth” writes.

An updated maritime strategy will be published on Friday, which includes an action plan calling for annual joint EU naval exercises and an increase in the number of military and coast guard patrols while improving coordination between member states.

European Commissioner for Environment and Oceans Virginius Sinkevičius said the strategy also calls for increased satellite monitoring and intelligence sharing.

“Of course, there is a need for further development of the potential and capabilities of the member countries,” he added.

The commissioner noted that the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipeline showed the need to increase vigilance regarding maritime activities in Europe.

EU member states have warned of growing evidence of Russian activity around offshore wind farms, oil and gas drilling platforms and telecommunications cables.

European Commissioner Sinkevičius and the head of EU diplomacy Josep Borrell are behind the creation of the plan. While the plan emphasizes cooperation with NATO, it argues that the war in Ukraine has revealed the need for the EU to take its own protective measures.

Sinkevičius also said the plan includes proposals to deal with unexploded ordnance and mines at sea. The European Commissioner would also like to create a special group to clean up the Black Sea after the war.

As reported, after the explosions on EU and NATO gas pipelines created a working group for joint protection of critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the German publication Spiegel showed photo of yacht “Andromeda”which is believed to be related to the explosions at the Nord Streams.