European Parliament backs call to ban alumina exports to Russia as Irish MEPs abstain

The European Parliament votes in favour of a call to ban exports of alumina to Russia, according to multiple Irish reports. RTE states that Fine Gael MEPs plan to support the measure in a non-binding parliamentary vote later in the week. Other coverage reports that Fianna Fáil MEPs abstain rather than support the call. TheJournal.ie and RTE both note that Fianna Fáil’s abstention draws criticism from within the party. Irish Independent reports that four Fianna Fáil MEPs abstain during the European Parliament vote and says that the issue follows allegations involving exports of alumina from the EU to Russia connected with Aughinish Alumina in Limerick. Irish Examiner adds that Fianna Fáil argues the government should consider nationalising the Aughinish Alumina plant to prevent exports to Russia. Another Irish Independent report says a government response or related information about the alleged export activity is “ready in ten days” after the Dáil goes on summer break. Across sources, the vote is framed as a parliamentary call rather than binding EU legislation.