European Commission considers tighter controls on alumina exports linked to Russia

The European Commission is preparing tighter restrictions on goods that could support Russia’s military production, amid growing pressure within the European Union to curb alumina exports linked to the Russian defence sector.

EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan said the bloc will continue efforts to limit Russia’s access to commodities that could be processed for military equipment production.

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The comments follow scrutiny over alumina exports from Aughinish Alumina in County Limerick, Ireland. Reports stated that the refinery has continued shipping large volumes of alumina to Russian smelters after the invasion of Ukraine.

According to investigations cited by European lawmakers, aluminium produced from the alumina was reportedly supplied to a Russian trading company, which allegedly works with manufacturers linked to missile, tank and weapons production.

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David O’Sullivan described the findings as “worrying” and said legitimate European businesses should not contribute to Russia’s military-industrial sector during the war in Ukraine.

Trade between the European Union and Russia has already fallen around 75 per cent since sanctions were introduced following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, alumina exports are currently not included in EU sanctions.

European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno has asked the European Commission whether alumina could be added to the next sanctions package targeting Russia.

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A group of 39 members of the European Parliament also urged Kaja Kallas and Maroš Šefčovič to review aluminium-related trade agreements connected to the Russian defence industry.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the Irish government continues to support Aughinish Alumina, which employs hundreds of workers in the region. He said, “There are no restrictions on Aughinish Alumina, and there haven’t been, and Europe hasn’t proposed them.” 

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He warned that sanctions on alumina exports could have severe economic consequences for the plant and its workforce.

The Irish government said investigations into the matter by the Department of Enterprise and the Department of Foreign Affairs remain under review.