Overview
- The Faroese parliament approved legislation authorizing the foreign minister to bar Norebo and Murman Seafood from Faroese waters and harbours.
- Russia said the move calls into question the Faroe Islands’ commitment to the 1977 fisheries agreement and signaled it is considering retaliatory measures.
- The European Union and Norway have previously accused the two companies of state-backed espionage, allegations both firms deny.
- Despite tighter rules in 2023, Russian vessels covered by the bilateral deal have continued to dock and land catches in Faroese ports.
- Related security steps include a new UK–Norway pact to run a combined fleet hunting Russian submarines, a reported 30% rise in Russian vessel sightings in UK waters, and a Royal Navy three-day submarine-tracking operation.