Ireland's Aughinish Alumina under EU scrutiny for Russia exports

Ireland’s Aughinish Alumina, the largest alumina refinery in Europe, exports roughly 45 % of its sales to Russia, where the material can be turned into aluminium for weapons. The trade has drawn criticism that it may help finance Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

The Irish government has opened an investigation into the alleged irregularities, with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas saying, “If some of us continue to profit from trade with Russia, it will make the war last.” Irish prime minister Micheál Martin called the plant a key part of a broader European supply chain and warned that sanctions could threaten up to 1,000 jobs. Aughinish Alumina maintains that its shipments comply with EU rules, noting that raw alumina is not covered by current sanctions, although primary aluminium exports to Russia are prohibited.

The probe comes as Dublin prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council, raising the profile of Ireland’s role in enforcing the bloc’s sanctions regime.