On Monday 30 March, the European Commission and the UK Government held initial “constructive” videoconference discussions on implementation of the withdrawal agreement that came into force on 1 February, particularly with regard to citizens' rights and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
A press statement indicates that the Commission, represented by Maros Šefčovič, and the UK Government, represented by Michael Gove, met within the framework of the Joint Committee and agreed to launch six specialised committees on key elements of the withdrawal agreement. Šefčovič “welcomed the UK's continued commitment to ensure that EU citizens can register as legal residents in the UK”.
The parties also agreed “on the importance of the United Kingdom presenting its plans with regard to the implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol in the next few months”. “There is an urgent need for a detailed timetable to be presented and for the necessary steps to be taken, preparing for the introduction of customs procedures for goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, for example”.
The next meeting of the Joint Committee will take place in June. The possibility of extending the transitional period was not part of these discussions. “That has not been discussed”, said Commission spokesperson Daniel Ferrie. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)