Russia has put Ireland at the centre of a potentially embarrassing row in the European Union by seeking a bilateral deal on beef imports, it has emerged.
Russia is Ireland's biggest market for beef exports outside the EU with trade worth €40 million. The total value is set to double over the next two years, according to Government figures.
Russia is refusing to accept Polish beef and is now seeking bilateral agreements with individual EU states. Its position could lead to it refusing all EU meat imports because the European Commission insists arrangements apply to all member states.
The move to bypass EU authorities comes just hours ahead of a meeting of EU leaders. They are expected to address the issue when they meet during the two-day summit in Brussels.
The issue could also be embarrassing for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern because Fianna Fáil is allied to Poland's ruling Justice and Law party in the European Parliament.
Mr Ahern is due to meet EU Commission President José Manuel Barosso this afternoon to discuss the situation.
Fianna Fáil MEP Liam Aylward has warned that a Russian ban on Irish and European beef was inevitable unless serious diplomatic efforts take place to avert the crisis. "This is an issue that should be settled between the European Commission and the Russian Government. But to achieve this settlement, strong political engagement is needed at the highest levels. Anything short of this will not ensure a satisfactory outcome."
Irish MEPs met Russian officials two weeks ago and urged them to pursue a diplomatic solution. Ireland is seeking to increase its exports to Russia in other areas of the food sector, and a ban on Irish imports would lead to backlash in the agriculture sector here.
It is estimated that the exports of Irish beef to Russia could double over the next two years.
Last month, Warsaw vetoed the launch of talks for a new EU-Russia partnership agreement at a summit attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscow's year-old ban on Polish beef.
Russian authorities reiterated their stance during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday, saying any imports from the EU next year would only be accepted on a bilateral basis with the necessary assurances from the individual country involved.
Reuters today obtained an e-mail in which Russian agriculture officials asked the Government to make contact with a view to reaching a two-way deal before the start of next year.
"I suggest the Chief Veterinarian Officer of Ireland to come in contact with the Office of Russian CVO Mr Eugeny Nepoklonov in Moscow as soon as possible to begin negotiation," it said.
The move comes amid media reports that Russia and Germany had signed a similar deal for export of German animals, meat and dairy products. The agreement has yet to be confirmed.
Russia has threatened to ban EU imports of meat products, citing concerns over animal health in new EU members Bulgaria and Romania.
A Russian ban on imports of meat, dairy and fish products from the EU would mean lost trade worth around €1.7 billion, according to European Commission figures.
The European Commission is wary about bilateral deals with Moscow, stressing any such agreements must comply with EU law.
Additional reporting Reuters