EU to Discuss Potential Inclusion of Alumina in Russia Sanctions After Irish Probe

The European Union will discuss whether to include alumina in its trade sanctions against Russia once Ireland concludes its probe into a Russian-owned alumina refinery in County Limerick, Ireland, Bloomberg News reported Friday. In a press conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will review the results of the investigation, noting that it is up to Ireland to set the timeframe, according to the news outlet. Alumina has so far been excluded from the bloc's sanctions. The investigation is looking at the extent of exports from Aughinish Alumina, a refinery in Ireland owned by Russian company Rusal, and if this is supporting Russia's war industry.