EU-UK talks: Flexible solutions can be found

03.10.2022 15:59

EU-UK talks: Flexible solutions can be found

Northern Ireland

Leading EPP Group MEPs will continue to support constructive negotiations between the EU and the UK for a flexible implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol as technical talks are set to resume. “If political will is shown by the UK Government, and hopefully these fresh talks are that signal, the EU will be ready to find solutions within the framework of the Protocol and Withdrawal Agreement”, MEPs Sean Kelly and Christophe Hansen said.

“The disruption and uncertainty caused by the UK Government's approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol is harming business and trade between the EU and UK and damaging relations. Now is the time to change this course”, stressed Kelly, First Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.

"Solutions do exist to address difficulties with the implementation of the Protocol and the EU has shown great willingness to offer flexibility and work with the UK on these issues. What we need is genuine and constructive engagement from the UK. However, it is encouraging that technical talks between EU and UK officials will take place this week, so hopefully this signals more cooperation and we can move forward towards agreement", Kelly underlined.

Hansen, EPP Group Spokesman on International Trade, added: “It is of the utmost importance that the UK respects the Northern Ireland Protocol, which it agreed to and signed. We must avoid the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland. The existence of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement as well as the whole Trade and Cooperation Agreement should not be jeopardised. We have always been ready and willing to find mutual solutions on how the Protocol is implemented.”

Note to editors

The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 176 Members from all EU Member States

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