MEPs Demand EU Sanction Irish Alumina Exports to Russia Amid Military Supply Concerns

Pressure is mounting on the Irish Government to halt the export of Irish-made alumina to Russia, with dozens of MEPs urging the European Commission to act. This follows an Irish Times investigation, in collaboration with the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, revealing that the Aughinish Alumina plant in Co Limerick ships large quantities of alumina to Russian smelters. This alumina is then used to produce aluminium, which is sold to ASK, a trading company supplying numerous Russian arms manufacturers, according to leaked financial documents.

European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno wrote to the Commission on Wednesday, citing the investigation and questioning if alumina will be included in the next sanctions package against Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. She stated it is «unacceptable» that a Russian-owned company operates undisturbed within an EU member state, supplying the Kremlin’s military industry, while the EU funds Ukraine’s defense. Successive Irish governments have lobbied internationally to exempt Aughinish, owned by Russian metals giant Rusal and employing nearly 1,000 people, from sanctions to protect jobs.

Separately, 39 MEPs from 12 countries, including France, Germany, Denmark, and Poland, wrote to High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, demanding the EU stop «export of aluminium agreements to the Russian defence industry» and review the investigation findings. No Irish MEPs signed this letter. Polish MEP Arkadiusz Mularczyk also wrote to the Commission, noting Australia has already banned alumina exports to Russia. The Belgian government, through Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot, also supports including alumina in the next sanctions package to close «loopholes.»

Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously announced investigations by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise. However, the Department of Enterprise declined to provide an update this week. Minister Peter Burke also refused to answer a parliamentary question on advice regarding risks of supplying alumina to Russia, stating alumina is not EU-sanctioned and its export to Russia is unrestricted. EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan said last month that if Irish alumina is proven to be used for Russian military equipment, action will be required, potentially leading to future sanctions. Aughinish Alumina maintains it operates in strict compliance with all EU laws, including sanctions and export controls.