EU foreign minister set to address the reported alumina exports issue during Ireland visit

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is expected to discuss Irish alumina exports to Russia during a visit to Dublin this week, according to EU officials familiar with her plans.

The visit comes ahead of Ireland taking over the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1 and follows reports that much of the alumina produced at Aughinish Alumina has been shipped to Russia since 2023.

The County Limerick refinery is owned by Russian aluminium producer Rusal, which is linked to businessman Oleg Deripaska.

Although the exports have drawn criticism, alumina is not included in current EU sanctions against Russia, meaning the trade remains legal under existing rules.

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The issue has nevertheless attracted attention in Brussels. Prime Minister Micheál Martin has said the government will investigate the matter and stressed that Ireland does not want to be connected to exports that could eventually be used in the production of weapons or explosive materials.

Some members of the European Parliament believe stronger action is needed. A group of 39 MEPs has called on the European Commission to ban alumina exports to Russia.

Finnish MEP Mika Aaltonen said questions surrounding the exports could overshadow Ireland's upcoming EU presidency.

The debate has widened beyond the refinery itself, with lawmakers and officials discussing how industrial raw materials move through global supply chains during periods of conflict.

With Kallas expected in Dublin this week, the issue is likely to receive fresh attention at both Irish and EU levels.

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