The first EU/United Kingdom Specialised Committee on the Protocol on Northern Ireland took place on Thursday 30 April, the Commission and the UK Government said in a press release. This specialised committee is one of the thematic groups of the Joint Committee responsible for implementing the details of the UK withdrawal agreement, which entered into force on 1 February. The protocol should be operational by 1 January 2021.
The United Kingdom reiterated its commitment “to protect the Good Friday Agreement” and “to preserve peace in Northern Ireland”.
The discussion “took place in a constructive atmosphere. The parties have taken stock of the implementation efforts of both sides”, said the Commission, which reiterated that “the proper and timely implementation of the withdrawal agreement remains a key priority”.
“A new partnership can only be built on the faithful and effective implementation of the withdrawal agreement” and, “as time is running out, the Commission underlines the importance of the United Kingdom presenting its plans for all the implementing measures prescribed by the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and providing a detailed timetable”.
According to the British media, this meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the maintenance in Belfast of a European Commission representation, which London has refused at this stage. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)