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€2.8bn for Ukraine - EC confirms first tranche of €90bn loan released, pressed about reports of Ireland-based factory supplying Russian arms industry

"The European Commission announced on Monday that it has released nearly €2.8 billion ($3.2 billion) to Ukraine - after Hungary lifted its veto. "Today, we have released nearly €2.8 billion to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility," said European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier during a press briefing in Brussels. "The funding will help Ukraine meet its financing needs and maintain public administration as it continues to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression." It comes after new Hungarian PM Peter Magyar lifted the country's veto, imposed by Viktor Orban's administration. Orban accused Ukraine of deliberately blocking the Druzhba pipeline from Russia - and claimed the EU and Kiev were interfering in his country's elections. He lost the vote to Magyar in May. Asked whether Brussels was considering sanctions against a manufacturer in Ireland reportedly connected to Russia’s weapons industry, Commission officials declined to comment on potential future measures. "We never comment on upcoming sanctions packages," said Commission spokesperson Siobhan McGarry. "We are always looking at ways to close loopholes and maximise pressure on Russia […] but I can't comment on this specific case at this time." The comments follow reports that materials produced by Aughinish Alumina, a Russian-owned refinery in County Limerick, may have entered supply chains linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex. The Irish government has launched an investigation into the matter. Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper described the situation as a 'matter of concern' that will be raised during talks between EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. The Commission also clarified that a Chinese semiconductor manufacturer sanctioned under the EU’s 20th sanctions package remains listed despite a proposed temporary exemption for European carmakers reliant on its products. "We are proposing a temporary derogation of nine months because this company is a key supplier to a number of European automotive companies, and therefore the listing would create severe disruption to their supply chains of chips," said spokesperson McGarry. Meanwhile, the Commission acknowledged the economic impact of continuing instability in the Middle East, saying the conflict has significantly increased the EU’s energy import bill. "Our bill for fossil fuel imports has increased by over €47 billion in the past 10 days," said Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova. "This is the price we pay without a single molecule of additional energy." She added that despite higher costs, there have been no supply disruptions, citing diversified energy sources and increased domestic production as key factors in maintaining energy security across the bloc.ko"

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