The EU High Representative Kaja Kallas was in Dublin today, in preparation for the Irish Presidency of the European Union. The High Representative raised the issue with Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister about Ireland’s alumina exports to Russia by Aughinish Alumina, a Russian-owned plant in County Limerick.
The Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee TD told the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas that Ireland will investigate the case. A joint investigation by the OCCRPP and the Irish press established that the alumina exported to Russia by Ireland ended up in the supply-chain of the Russian military and defence industry. The Irish government also stated that “Ukraine will be a central focus” for the Irish Presidency and that Europe must stand by with Ukraine by maintaining pressure on Russia.
In her press conference with the Irish Foreign Minister, Vice-Commissioner Kallas said that Ireland’s neutrality is not in questions but she also highlighted that neutrality does not provide immunity from the threats that Europe faces today and that no country in Europe is off Russia’s target list since its invasion of Ukraine. The Vice-Commissioner extolled Europe’s values but also said that Europe needed the hard power to defend these values and this is why Europe is focusing to bolster its security and defence for its citizens.
Meanwhile, the EU Commission has rolled out its proposed 21st sanctions-package against Russia, which includes lowering the price cap from $47 to $44, sanctions on further shadow fleet vessels, and new restrictions on banks and payments. The new sanctions package is also proposing a complete visa-ban on Russian army veterans who have served as of 2022.
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