Energy row could lead to Russian ban on Irish meat

RUSSIA is threatening to ban Irish and other EU meat imports from January in the latest twist in a complex political game centred around energy.

Russia is Ireland’s largest market for beef outside the EU, importing over 25,000 tonnes last year.

The row is threatening to scuttle plans for a new EU Trade and Association Agreement with Russia due to be launched at a summit in Helsinki between the two blocs on Friday.