EU sees ‘no move’ from Britain on protocol
European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič (pictured) has expressed disappointment at the lack of movement from Britain in the most recent round of talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Three weeks ago, the EU announced a package of measures aimed at easing British concerns about how the protocol operates – particularly in relation to the movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.
“This was a big move by us. But until today, we have seen no move at all from the UK side,” Šefčovič said in a statement after a meeting with British Brexit minister David Frost.
‘Instability and unpredictability’
The EU commissioner also warned that triggering article 16 – to seek the renegotiation of the protocol – would have “serious consequences”.
He said that such a move would lead to instability and unpredictability for Northern Ireland.
“And serious also for EU-UK relations in general, as it would mean a rejection of EU efforts to find a consensual solution to the implementation of the protocol,” Šefčovič added.
Discussions between officials from the two sides are to continue, and the commissioner said that he was committed to travelling to London on 12 November for further talks.