EU faces pressure as MEPs seek sanctions on Irish export to Russia’s Aughinish Alumina

Stock image for referential purposes only

Pressure is mounting on the Irish Government and the European Union’s (EU) branch of the European Commission to curb alumina exports from Ireland’s Aughinish Alumina Plant to Russia. It has been alleged that the alumina content is being applied to indirectly offer support to the Russian defence sector.  

The issue emerged after an investigation was undertaken by The Irish Times and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. It was informed that alumina shipped from the Co Limerick refinery is being used by Russian smelters to produce aluminium, which is thereafter being supplied to defence-linked manufacturers.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook

Aughinish Alumina previously asserted that it administered operations “in strict compliance with all applicable European Union laws, including sanctions, export control measures and trade regulations,” with a “due diligence framework covering its entire supply chain.”

In response, several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), mainly from the European People's Party and Renew Europe blocs, have urged the European Commission to consider including alumina in the EU’s next sanctions package for Russia. European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno has questioned whether allowing such exports aligns with EU commitments supporting Ukraine.

In addition, an assembly of 39 MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) have sought to Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade, to ensure a ban on the “export of aluminium agreements to the Russian defence industry.”

The MEPs are hailing from 12 countries, such as Denmark, France, Germany, and Poland. Seventeen of the MEPs are from the Renew Europe group and eleven from the EPP, while Ireland has refrained from commenting on the matter.

Don't miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform

Ireland is consistently backing Aughinish Alumina’s exemption from sanctions, citing the refinery’s importance to regional employment and the local economy. The plant reportedly supports around 1,000 direct jobs and another 1,000 through associated companies.  

Additional pressure has come from governments and lawmakers across Europe, including Belgium and Poland. Maxime Prévot, the Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister, has urged closing the “loopholes” in the framework of the sanctions. Concerns have also been raised by the Polish MEP Arkadiusz Mularczyk over whether alumina exports to Russia should face restrictions such as those already imposed by Australia.

Irish authorities, including the Department of Enterprise and the Department of Foreign Affairs, have confirmed ongoing scrutiny of the matter. Peter Burke, the Minister for Enterprise, maintained that alumina exports to Russia are currently not prohibited under existing EU sanctions. Meanwhile, EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan has indicated that alumina might have to be added to the sanctions framework if evidence confirms the material is contributing to Russian military production.

Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics