Ireland Resists Estonian Push for Sanctions on Aughinish Alumina Exports to Russia
Ireland is resisting Estonian-led EU pressure to sanction Aughinish Alumina over its exports to Russia, citing potential disruption to European industry. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna pushed for EU sanctions, but the latest package did not include alumina restrictions. An Irish investigation into the plant's role in Russia's military supply chain is ongoing.
The Irish Government is resisting EU pressure, led by Estonia, to sanction Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick, which exports to Russia. Irish officials in Brussels argue that sanctioning the plant would disrupt key raw material supplies to European industry.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed his country advocated for EU-level sanctions to halt alumina supply from Europe to Russia, targeting the Irish plant owned by Russian metals giant Rusal. However, the European Commission's 21st sanctions package, proposed Tuesday since Russia's early 2022 invasion of Ukraine, did not include alumina export restrictions.
EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas, visiting Dublin on Tuesday, stressed the importance of clarifying facts about Aughinish Alumina, noting alumina is not currently sanctioned. She called for closing loopholes and tightening enforcement. An Irish Times investigation in March, with the OCCRP, detailed Aughinish Alumina's role in the Russian military supply chain.
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee discussed Aughinish Alumina with Kallas. McEntee stated that information from an ongoing Department of Enterprise inquiry will be provided to the Commission, and Ireland will support decisions to pressure Russia.