MEPs to Vote on Banning Irish Alumina Exports to Russia Next Week

MEPs will vote next week on a resolution to ban Irish alumina exports to Russia. This follows an Irish Times investigation revealing that Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick exports half its product to Russia, where it is smelted into aluminium used by Russian arms manufacturers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also called for action during his recent visit to Dublin.

The resolution, submitted by MEPs from the Socialists and Democrats group, calls for expanded sanctions against Russia, specifically a complete ban on alumina exports. While symbolic, its passage would increase pressure on Ireland and the EU to act. Belgium's government has also sought to close this export «loophole», and Estonia has unsuccessfully proposed a ban at the EU level for over 18 months.

The Aughinish refinery is owned by Russian metals giant Rusal, which Swedish authorities found is controlled by sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The Irish government is finalizing its investigation into Aughinish and will provide it to the European Commission. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated Ireland sets the timeline for this investigation, and Irish Commissioner Micheal McGrath confirmed the Commission is open to including alumina in the next sanctions package.