The United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) have reached a customs deal that could end disputes over Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trade status, British newspaper The Times reported on Wednesday.
According to the newspaper, Brussels agreed to a proposal that would make routine checks on goods destined for the British province unnecessary.
In addition, the EU has admitted for the first time that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) can only intervene in county-related matters if the courts of Northern Ireland understand that, according to the British daily.
Until now, Brussels had insisted that the European Commission could appeal directly to the ECJ.
If confirmed, an agreement could help end the deadlock over the Northern Ireland Protocol that has tarnished Anglo-Community relations since Britain’s exit from the European bloc in 2020, a process known as ‘Brexit’.
Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains within the EU market and the UK, so trade controls between London and the EU are carried out at ports of entry in that UK province, which has created bureaucratic problems.
Located in the Irish Sea, this commercial border has also led to political problems among pro-British trade unionists, who believe it affects relations with the rest of the United Kingdom.
The aim of the protocol was to avoid a physical border between the Republic of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland, so as not to undermine the 1998 peace agreement that ended the sectarian conflict between Catholics and Protestants.
The Times, citing British sources, added that Brussels had made significant concessions on issues such as the jurisdiction of the European Court.
In customs, the deal largely builds on UK proposals for a “green” fast track system for goods destined for Northern Ireland, which would be allowed to enter without routine checks.
Goods for export to the Republic of Ireland travel via the so-called “red” lanes and are cleared at ports in Northern Ireland.
Vehicle movement data will be shared with the EU and the UK will agree to investigate suspicious activity, the paper also revealed.
Under the plan, the UK and the EU will negotiate a separate long-term agreement for the export of meat, live animals and other products to Northern Ireland, with London agreeing to enforce EU veterinary rules for exported goods. until now.
London and Brussels are under pressure to resolve the conflict ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday peace deal for Northern Ireland on April 10.
Source: DN
