Retention of an EU-owned vessel in Finland

Question for written answer E-003715/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sandro Gozi (Renew)

Luna Tower Kft, a company registered in Hungary, acquired a vessel from a Russian citizen who is not subject to any EU sanctions. The vessel was duly de-registered from the Russian maritime register and re-registered in San Marino under the name of the new owner.

The vessel has been retained by the Finnish Customs Authority in the port of Kotka for more than one year, under the pretext of an 'audit' procedure that has yet to result in a formal decision. During this period, significant storage fees have been imposed without a clear legal basis, raising concerns about possible mismanagement or local collusion.

• 1.Will the Commission assess the legality of the prolonged retention by the Finnish Customs Authority and, if necessary, engage with the competent authorities on this matter?
• 2.Will it refer the case to the European Anti-Fraud Office in order to assess the potential risk of fraud or prejudice to the EU budget?

Submitted: 24.9.2025