On Wednesday 6 July, MEPs condemned the UK’s unilateral actions and the government’s bill challenging the withdrawal agreement signed with the EU and its protocol on Northern Ireland (see EUROPE 12976/13).
In a debate attended by Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Czech minister Mikuláš Bek, they called on London to accept a “negotiated solution” and remain a trusted partner while the two blocs must remain “side by side” in the face of the Russian invasion, as the Czech minister put it.
“Barely two years after signing, the draft (agreement and protocol on Northern Ireland) risks being torn apart,” the Czech official warned. The “EU Council is extremely concerned”. “We are peaceful democracies and must respect international agreements,” he added.
Sean Kelly (EPP, Ireland) denounced “a turning point in EU-UK relations and an unacceptable breach of international law”. The British bill, which has already passed a first validation stage in the British Parliament, defies “logic”, as the economic situation of the province is better than that of Great Britain.
“We are in a period of concern; we must unite, not divide,” added Nathalie Loiseau (Renew Europe, France), chair of the EU delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly. “The Northern Ireland Protocol is not the issue.”
For his part, the Vice-President of the Commission highlighted the Commission’s readiness to seek solutions with the British government. “Only a joint solution” and “sincere exchanges” will allow the problems raised by the implementation of the protocol to be resolved.
“I hope that we can restart trade,” added Maroš Šefčovič, not ruling out the use of the tools of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which can revert to trade without quotas or tariffs.
The European Parliament will vote on a resolution at a forthcoming session.
Boris Johnson in trouble
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is in trouble after the resignation of several of his ministers on 5 and 6 July, including those for Finance, Health and Children. Calls for his resignation are multiplying, as these departing ministers have denounced the loss of confidence in the Conservative leader after repeated scandals, notably in connection with his management of the Covid-19 crisis. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)