Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party, said:
“The Irish government must suspend alumina exports to Russia immediately. The evidence already in the public domain is serious enough to justify precautionary action. The ongoing national investigation must not be used as an excuse for delay. Where there is a credible risk that European-produced strategic raw materials are fuelling Russia’s war machine, exports must stop. It is quite ironic to invite Zelensky while exporting material to Russia.”
Ciaran Cuffe, European Green Party co-chair, added,
“It is vital that exports of materials to Russia that could be used in weapons or drones are halted. At the same time, the workers at the Aughinish alumina refinery must be protected. The Irish Government, together with the European Union, must ensure support for workers and their communities so that they do not bear the cost of closing this loophole.”
The European Green Party have been calling for a Europe-wide review into whether there are any other export loopholes to Russia in the EU, and for a review of sanctions listings to ensure that all relevant sectors and channels are fully included.
