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German FM-We In EU Prepared To Be Flexible On Northern Ireland

EU-UK

Speaking in London alongside her UK counterpart James Cleverly, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock states that, "We in the EU are prepared to be flexible on Northern Ireland", referring to ongoing low-level talks over the contentious Northern Ireland protocol.

  • Cleverly states that 'Brexit talks are being held in good spirits'.
  • The comments come after new Irish Taoiseach (PM) Leo Varadkar stated that the protocol was "perhaps a bit too strict".
  • The rhetoric from UK, RoI, and EU has softened significantly since PM Rishi Sunak took power in the UK. However, within Northern Ireland's politics there is little-to-no sign of a route that will be acceptable for unionists and nationalists.
  • Moreover, any new deal on the protocol is likely to face stiff scrutiny from pro-Brexit Conservative MPs with regards to sovereignty and UK territorial integrity, while on the EU side MEPs and member states will look to ensure the protection of the Single Market. Meeting the aims of both of these sides still appears some way off.

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