Federal Minister Edtstadler: Renegotiating the Northern Ireland Protocol is out of the question for the EU

Talks in Dublin, Belfast and London – “Keep going and find a way of implementation”

“Re-negotiating the Northern Ireland Protocol is out of the question for the European Union. After it has been signed by both sides, the only thing that can be discussed is the technical implementation,” stressed Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler after a meeting with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns in London to conclude their three day trip to Ireland, Northern Ireland and London. A renegotiation is a red line. “However, we are ready to talk about the type of implementation in order to achieve the best result in terms of prosperity and peace. The treaties serve to maintain this situation. You have to be careful and prudent with that,” like Edtstadler. When it came to implementing the technical details, the EU had already taken big steps towards Great Britain. “Contacts, cooperation and communication between the EU, but also between the member states and Great Britain must be reestablished. This has receded into the background due to Brexit,” stated the Europe Minister.

prevent border between Ireland and Northern Ireland

Even before that, on the second day of her trip, Europe Minister Karoline Edtstadler was optimistic about a solution to the Northern Ireland Protocol after talks in Belfast: “Even if quick solutions are not necessarily in sight, I at least have the feeling that everyone is of good will. The European Union must keep at it, support it and not give up so that a way can be found.” The EU has made it clear that there will be no new negotiations. “With the Northern Ireland Protocol that has been passed, a border between Ireland and Northern Ireland can be prevented, so that trade and the economy can flourish,” said the Europe Minister. On the ground, one finds above all that the people have a desire for the preservation of peace, stability and predictability. “This peace, which we are always talking about in the EU, is not something that can be taken for granted, we have to work on it,” Edtstadler said.

Talks in Dublin – simplifying processes in the Northern Ireland Protocol

At the start of her three-day trip, Karoline Edtstadler also referred to the subject matter at her working meeting with her Irish counterpart Thomas Byrne in Dublin: “Our support for the Northern Ireland Protocol and the EU talks with London are not about renegotiation, but above all to simplify processes.”

In Ireland, a meeting with Justice Minister Helen McEntee was also on the agenda. The EU internet laws DMA (Digital Markets Act) and DSA: “Of the Digital Service Act at European level is a big step forward and shows that we take it seriously when it comes to social platforms having to abide by the rules.” She also discussed Austria’s experiences with the Communications Platforms Act with the Irish Minister of Justice.

Pictures from Dublin, Belfast and London are about that Photo service of the Federal Chancellery available free of charge.

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