EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on 9 June 2026 presented proposals for the 21st package of sanctions against Russia during a joint press conference in Dublin with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee. The package includes a temporary freeze to the Russian oil price cap and measures targeting banks, oil traders, refineries and crypto operators in third countries that help Moscow circumvent existing sanctions. Kallas stressed that Europe must close all loopholes and ensure that no European products end up in Russian drones and missiles that kill Ukrainian civilians.
Kallas spoke as Ireland prepares to take over the rotating EU Presidency in a few weeks, with priorities focused on defending European values, strengthening security and boosting competitiveness. She acknowledged Ireland's tradition of military neutrality but argued that neutrality does not provide immunity from threats, pointing to a surge in hybrid attacks and sabotage since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including against undersea cables. She welcomed Ireland's first Maritime Security Strategy launched in February and its commitment to increase defence spending by 55% by 2030.
On the Middle East, Kallas noted a fragile pause and expressed hope for an agreement, warning that a return to full-scale war would have tremendous costs. She described the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable, with repercussions for the global economy and food supplies. On Lebanon, she acknowledged the difficult conditions for UNIFIL peacekeepers, including Irish troops, operating under increasing threat from Hezbollah. Regarding Gaza and the West Bank, she recalled that EU foreign ministers imposed sanctions on Israeli extremist settlers and leading Hamas figures last month, and noted that Ireland last week imposed travel bans on Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, with proposals for EU-level sanctions under discussion.
During the Q&A, Kallas was asked why aluminum was not included in the 21st sanctions package, given reports that sanctioned Russian defence companies may be benefiting from Irish aluminum imports. She said investigations by Irish authorities are ongoing and that the EU trusts the Irish government to get the facts straight. She added that the case shows the EU should look into metals and other materials Russia needs for its war, and that the bloc needs to be creative in designing future sanctions. On whether alumina could be included in the 22nd package, she noted that some member states have been pushing for it but that consensus among all member states has not yet been reached.
On the EU-Israel Association Agreement, Kallas acknowledged a change in attitude among member states, with public opinion shifting even in previously less critical countries. However, she said that for sanctions, unanimity is required and has not been achieved, while for trade issues, the qualified majority threshold has also not been met.
EU sanctions enforcement will be tightened, affecting third-country banks, oil traders, refineries and crypto operators used for circumvention. Irish aluminum exporters face scrutiny and potential future restrictions if alumina is added to sanctions. Russian defence companies may lose access to European materials, increasing production costs for weapons. EU member states remain divided on further sanctions expansion, with some pushing for broader metal restrictions while others resist.