Brussels warns Johnson of a firm response in the event of non-compliance with the Northern Ireland Protocol

The protocol to the Brexit agreement stipulates that a customs border should be established between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom in order to avoid the reintroduction of border controls at the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The European Union (EU) launched an infringement procedure in March after the United Kingdom unilaterally postponed the introduction of customs controls between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom until October. Brussels considers this to be a violation of the 2019 Brexit Agreement.

Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission (EC), said the EC would not be shy to take action to ensure that Britain complied with its international obligations.

Shefchovich, who is scheduled to hold talks with Britain’s Brexit minister David Frost on Wednesday on the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol, said the EC would not tolerate further deviations from the terms of the protocol.

Mr Šefčovič pointed out that, unfortunately, there were major shortcomings in the implementation of the protocol by the British side.

“Mutually agreed [protokola] implementation paths with specific deadlines (…) would be an important starting point and, in my view, a credible outcome for this joint committee, “Šefčovič said.

“If this does not happen and if Britain continues to act unilaterally, (..) the EU will not be ashamed to act firmly and resolutely to ensure that Britain honors its international obligations,” Shefchovich said.

He expressed confidence that the protocol was the best solution to ensure that a strong border between Northern Ireland and Ireland was not re-established.

The media reports that US President Joe Biden will emphasize the importance of the Northern Ireland Protocol to Johnson at the G7 summit this week.

Prior to the G7 meeting, Johnson also discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Johnson emphasized in the conversation that both Great Britain and the EC have a duty to find a solution to the problems related to the protocol.