On Twitter, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed “concern” at the UK’s declarations that it does not intend to abide by the Brexit agreement, which sets the conditions for leaving the EU.
The head of the European Commission on a possible amendment to the Brexit agreement: It would break international law
Von der Leyen added that breaking this agreement would violate international law and undermine mutual trust. “Agreements must be kept, they are the basis for successful future relations,” emphasized the President of the Commission.
The government in London presented to the House of Commons a draft law on the internal market, which is to ensure intra-UK trade after it leaves the EU market at the end of the year. The project theoretically allows London to unilaterally overturn the Brexit agreement, including on Northern Ireland. This may result in the creation of some form of border between the republic with the capital in Dublin and the North controlled by London.
“The bill would allow the UK to waive the oversight and paperwork requirements for goods shipped across the Irish Sea from Northern Ireland to other parts of the UK. It would also allow the UK to set its own rules for providing targeted state aid to sectors of the economy in Northern Ireland, possibly undermining European demands for “equal opportunities”, she points out “Washington Post”.
The British government explains that it is only a fallback mechanism in case the ongoing negotiations on the second Brexit agreement, regulating future relations, collapse. The text of the existing agreement does not, however, assume that its operation depends on the conclusion of a new treaty.
The deputy head of the European Commission, Marosz Szefczowicz, also stated that Brussels’ position on the Brexit agreement remains unchanged. – If talks on future trade relations are to continue, the Brexit agreement, which has been difficult to negotiate, must be implemented. For us it is, of course, a matter of principles, stressed the deputy head of the Commission and announced urgent consultations with the British on the new law.
The President of the European Council also took the floor. Charles Michel tweeted that the Exit Agreement had been agreed and ratified by both parties and must be fully implemented. – Breaking international law is unacceptable and does not create the atmosphere of trust we need to build mutual future relations – stressed the head of the Council.
