In this news:
Ireland has been warned by the EU that military neutrality does not provide immunity from Russia, as investigations into this country’s alumina exports continue. The EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Dublin today for a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee. Speaking afterward in Iveagh House, Ms Kallas warned: “Ireland's proud tradition of military neutrality is not a question, but neutrality does not provide immunity from the threats Europe faces today. “No country in Europe is off Russia's target list since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We have seen a surge in the hybrid attacks and sabotage, including against critical infrastructure, such as the undersea water cables. “We cannot afford complacency. Ireland's commitment to increase defence spending by 55% by 2030 sends a clear signal that Ireland is stepping up.” The EU Vice-President said that she is trusting Ireland to conduct investigations into the Russian owned Aughinish Alumina Refinery in Limerick. Ireland is at the centre of controversy over alumina made in the factory allegedly ending up in Russian weapons. A new series of sanctions being imposed on Russia by the EU will target banks, weapons manufacturers, oil traders, refineries and crypto operators. Asked why alumni isn’t included, Ms Kallas said Europe must “close all loopholes” and “tighten sanctions”. She added: “It is always a question what more can we do, and I think this case shows that we should also look into the material that Russia needs to continue with this war, whether it's different types of metals, whether it's the oil refinery products that they need. “We have to be creative in coming up with the next sanctions, because our aim is this war will end, and it will end if the aggressor runs out of either money or material to continue.” On conflict in the Middle East, the EU Vice-President said she has seen a shift in attitude in the bloc with Israel, with member states that previously weren’t critical changing tact. Last year, the EU Commission proposed suspension of free trade between the EU and Israel. However, Ms Kallas said it would be difficult to get a qualified majority to pass this, adding: “We need all the countries to agree. We don't have that when it comes to trade issues. “We also see public opinion that is increasingly critical in member states that haven't been so critical before. Clearly we see shifts, but the question is whether it's enough to move forward.” Minister McEntee said since November, when she took on the role of foreign affairs minister, there has been a “significant shift” in EU attitude towards Israel. She said Israel needs to be sanctioned further than suspending the free trade agreement and the EU should specifically ban trade from illegal occupied territories. The Foreign Affairs Minister added: “This would have a greater level of support from member states, not unanimity, but I do believe that that would have a greater chance of receiving QMV and support from member states, so I've certainly seen that shift. “I believe that the only way that we can bring about change and a direction change from the Israeli government is where the EU responds collectively as a whole, that hasn't happened as often as we'd like to date.” Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
.png)
