The European Union plans to launch legal proceedings after UK extends grace period for goods checks, violating post-Brexit rules.
The European Union is preparing to take legal action against the United Kingdom following its unilateral decision to extend the grace period for checks on goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland. This move by the British government has sparked a dispute, with the EU set to initiate a two-pronged legal response in the coming days.
EU27 ambassadors were briefed on the plans, which include the possibility of launching an “infringement proceeding” that could result in a ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The EU is also considering triggering the dispute mechanism outlined in the Brexit withdrawal agreement. European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič stated that the plans are still being finalized, but diplomats confirmed that the EU was fully aligned on the need to take firm action.
The Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit agreement, aims to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To achieve this, checks are required on goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland to ensure they meet EU standards. However, the implementation of these checks has caused disruptions to supply chains and led to protests from unionist parties in Northern Ireland.
The grace periods that temporarily delayed the full application of these checks are set to expire at the end of the month. Last week, UK Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis announced that the grace periods would be extended, citing the need to protect Northern Ireland’s interests and maintain stock availability. This decision has led to accusations from the EU that the UK is violating the withdrawal agreement and international law, as well as undermining cooperation between the two parties.
The EU’s reaction mirrors its response to the UK’s introduction of the Internal Market Bill last year, which also raised concerns about breaching the protocol. Now, the EU is prepared to escalate the matter legally in a bid to enforce compliance with the terms of the Brexit deal.
