Mare liberum vs. mare clausum: freedom of navigation in the context of the European Union restrictive measures

This article examines the concept of freedom of navigation and its role in contemporary maritime relations. The period from 2020 to 2025 has been marked by many challenges associated with the necessity to restrict communication between states for several reasons, from epidemiological to humanitarian. The ongoing tension in international relations implies that the increase in the number of armed conflicts may threaten the further implementation of freedom of navigation. At the same time, it may already be stated with confidence that the existing measures taken in connection with the invasion of Ukraine, as well as other conflicts, call into question the real implementation of freedom of navigation.