France, June 9 -- Tuesday's meeting comes amid growing scrutiny of Aughinish Alumina, a Russian-owned refinery in south-west Ireland, after investigations traced Irish-produced alumina through Russian supply chains linked to manufacturers serving the country's military industry.

Alumina is a key ingredient in aluminium production, and aluminium is used across civilian industry as well as in weapons systems, vehicles, aircraft components and explosives supply chains.

This comes as Ireland prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in July.

The role will require it to steer EU business at a moment when sanctions, Ukraine, defence readiness and hybrid threats are all high on the agenda. The Aughinis...