On Tuesday 9 May, MEPs approved three draft regulations that should make life easier for citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland after Brexit, in particular for access to medicines and certain foodstuffs. They simplify the requirements and procedures for entry into Northern Ireland and authorise the use of British standards when these products are intended solely for Northern Ireland.
The Commission had proposed these relaxations of the rules on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland after the Windsor Agreement (see EUROPE 13130/2).
For foodstuffs, seed potatoes or agricultural machinery, the report by Pascal Canfin (Renew Europe, French) and Martin Hlaváček (Renew Europe, Czech) was adopted by 619 votes to 2 with 6 abstentions.
Pascal Canfin’s report on medicinal products for human use will ensure that all medicines (generic and new) will be available at all times, at the same time and under the same conditions throughout the UK, in accordance with British authorisation rules and procedures. It was adopted by 617 votes to 3 with 6 abstentions.
The report by Sean Kelly (EPP, Irish) was adopted by 617 votes to 2 with 3 abstentions. It will allow certain British products, such as steel, to be exempt from EU safeguard measures when they arrive in Northern Ireland.
Link to the reports: https://aeur.eu/f/6sr (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic with Léa Marchal)