Argentina's Milei vows tougher line on Falklands oil firms
Argentina will tighten sanctions on firms in Falklands oil projects, boost southern defenses and send Congress a sovereignty bill.
Argentine President Javier Milei has announced a tougher stance on oil exploration near the Falkland Islands, vowing to accelerate sanctions against companies involved in projects in the territory Argentina claims as its own.
In a televised address, Milei said he would sign a decree to fast-track penalties under Argentine law against firms engaged in oil and gas extraction in the area, which remains under British control. He added that measures would extend beyond the companies themselves to include their shareholders, directors and suppliers.
"We will continue to bar from operating in Argentine territory companies involved, directly or indirectly, in projects in the (islands) without Argentine authorization," Milei said.
The president also announced an emergency decree to boost defense resources, including the construction of a naval base in the southern province of Tierra del Fuego and enhanced telecommunications capabilities.
Milei said he would send Congress an urgent "national sovereignty defense" bill to toughen penalties for unauthorized operations around the islands and broaden the legal framework to cover other activities affecting Argentina's natural resources.
His remarks were prompted by the Sea Lion offshore project, operated by Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration, which Argentina says could begin oil development in the coming months. The two firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The move signals a shift in tone for Milei, who had previously favored pursuing the dispute through diplomacy while seeking warmer ties with Britain.
The Falklands, a British overseas territory located about 500 km east of the Argentine mainland, have been claimed by Argentina since Britain took control in 1833. The two nations fought a brief war over the islands in 1982.