NI protocol and Troubles issues to dominate summit talks between Taoiseach and Johnson Hopes that face-to-face meeting could rebuild trust between two governments
about an hour ago Updated: 38 minutes ago
Discussions on Troubles legacy issues and the Northern Ireland protocol are expected to dominate a summit meeting on Friday between Taoiseach Micheál Martin and British prime minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Martin will travel to Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, for a lunchtime meeting, Government Buildings confirmed on Thursday night.
The two leaders will discuss unionist and loyalist unrest over the protocol to the EU-UK withdrawal treaty, which has led to some barriers to trade between the North and the rest of the UK. They are also likely to discuss wider British-Irish issues and the coronavirus pandemic.
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Minister Coveney’s Opening Statement, Joint Committee on EU Affairs
Statement 29 April 2021
Cathaoirleach,
I was very glad to receive your invitation to appear before the Committee in what is an important week for the EU-UK relationship.
This week, we will finalise the ratification of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The European Parliament today completes its scrutiny of the Agreement. I hope and expect it to be endorsed by the European Parliament when the result of its consent vote is announced tomorrow morning. This will allow for the final formalities to be completed.
Dáil Éireann of course adopted by acclamation a motion of support in January.
EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement: Council adopts decision on conclusion
The Council has today adopted a decision on the conclusion of the EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement and the security of information agreement. This is the last step for the EU in the ratification of the agreements.
The UK will now be notified of the finalisation of the internal EU procedures. Following this, the agreements and accompanying texts will be published in the Official Journal of the EU before the end of the month. On 1 May 2021, both agreements will enter into force.
Today we open a new chapter in our relations with the UK. The conclusion of the trade and cooperation agreement will give legal certainty to the new EU-UK relationship, in the interests of citizens and business on both sides of the channel. We value the UK as a good neighbour, an old ally and an important partner.