Discussions between the Commission and the UK government on the implementation of the Ireland and Northern Ireland Protocol are progressing, the Financial Times reported on Sunday 11 April and the RTE on Monday 12 April, and may result in a new joint paper on the resolution of outstanding issues.
European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and his British counterpart David Frost may also discuss the issue this week, both media outlets reported.
The European Commission could not confirm any progress on Monday 12 April, saying only that “technical discussions” are taking place and that the meeting this week between the two officials still needs to be clarified, said Daniel Ferrie.
According to the two media outlets, technical discussions have nevertheless made positive progress recently as the Commission has asked London for a roadmap to address identified shortcomings in the implementation of the protocol. The RTE mentions in particular a draft veterinary agreement.
The Commission, in order not to aggravate the ongoing tensions and violence in the British province, also intends to delay its legal action against London over the unilateral extension of the so-called “grace periods”, allowing for the extension of the relaxation of controls between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)