17/05/2018 (Agence Europe) – On the sidelines of the Balkans summit in Sofia on 17 May, the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said that over the next fortnight, London may propose a model of customs partnership with the EU based on lining the country up on the rest of the EU, the Irish media reports. The Taoiseach has met Theresa May, whom he reminded of the need to avoid physical infrastructure between the two Irelands. He said that he had had signs of a new approach on May's part. However, although the idea of moving the UK and the EU closer together in this area could be beneficial, keeping the backstop proposed by the EU will remain a condition to the withdrawal agreement, irrespective of the outcome of 'customs' discussions. Ireland has called upon London to make substantial progress by the end of June. (SP)