A coalition of 47 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) is pushing for immediate sanctions on Irish alumina exports to Russia. This comes as the European Commission has proposed a new sanctions package, yet alumina remains unlisted despite its critical role in supplying materials for Russian weaponry.
The MEPs argue that alumina refined at Aughinish in Ireland is being sent to Russian smelters, directly contributing to the war effort against Ukraine. They are calling for a public-private partnership to redirect these exports to European buyers, highlighting a strategic dependency that could be detrimental to EU security.
Ireland’s Aughinish Alumina is a major supplier, with conflicting reports on the percentage of exports going to Russia. While the Central Statistics Office claims 83%, the company disputes this, stating it is only 45%. This discrepancy raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the face of ongoing conflict.
As Ireland prepares to assume the EU presidency, the pressure mounts for the government to clarify these exports. If no action is taken, alumina could be included in the next sanctions package, reflecting a growing urgency to address the EU’s reliance on materials that bolster Russia’s military capabilities.
Source: Euronews
