Maros Sefcovic – Photo EC
(BRUSSELS) – The European Commission proposed Wednesday a number of bespoke arrangements to respond to the difficulties that people in Northern Ireland have been experiencing because of Brexit.
The Commission says the package of measures will make ‘a real difference on the ground’ in Northern Ireland and addresses the Brexit-related problems regarding the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that have been raised by Northern Irish people and businesses.
The package proposes further flexibilities in the area of food, plant and animal health, customs, medicines and engagement with Northern Irish stakeholders.
It also proposes a different model for the implementation of the Protocol, in which the flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland – in respect of goods destined to stay in Northern Ireland – is facilitated to a significant extent.
These measures come in addition to the package that was presented in June 2021, which facilitates the movement of live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Vice-President Maros Sefcovic said the Commission had listened to Northern Irish stakeholders and now offered a ‘genuine response’ to their concerns.
“Ultimately, our number one priority remains to ensure that the hard-earned gains of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement peace and stability are protected, while avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and maintaining the integrity of the EU Single Market,” he said.
He added that the Commission had put a lot of hard work into the measures which, he said, would “make a tangible change on the ground, in response to the concerns raised by the people and businesses of Northern Ireland,” he said.
The EU executive says it now stands ready to engage in intensive discussions with the UK government, with a view to reaching a jointly agreed permanent solution as soon as possible.
The Commission will do this in close collaboration and constant dialogue with the European Parliament and Council.
