Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
651. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will explain his reference to the European Commission in the context of his statement in Dáil Éireann on the European Council meeting on 15 and 16 October 2020 giving timely consideration to unilateral and time limited contingency measures in the event of a no-deal Brexit. [32788/20]
View answerIntensive talks are ongoing between the EU and UK negotiating teams in an effort to close the gaps between the two sides on a Future Partnership Agreement, including on the key outstanding issues of the level playing field, governance and fisheries. An Agreement in this framework is the best way to provide for a comprehensive future partnership between the EU and the UK.
At the European Council meeting of 15 and 16 October, leaders had a discussion on the state of play in the Brexit talks and agreed Conclusions. As part of those Conclusions, leaders called for Member States, the EU Institutions and stakeholders to step up their work on readiness and preparedness for all possible outcomes. The Conclusions also invite the European Commission to give timely consideration to unilateral and time-limited contingency measures that are in the EU’s interests.
As set out in the Brexit Readiness Action Plan, a number of unilateral, time-limited contingency measures were adopted at EU level in 2019 with a view to mitigating the worst impacts of a possible no-deal UK withdrawal from the EU. The conclusion and entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement means that many of these measures did not apply.
Under the EU Treaties, it is the European Commission that proposes legislation for consideration, as relevant, by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. The Commission has therefore been invited by leaders to prepare for the possibility that further contingency legislation will be required at EU level should agreement not be reached between the EU and the UK on a comprehensive future partnership before the end of the Brexit transition period. Government officials are in close contact with the European Commission on the matter. Any contingency measures adopted at EU level can be expected to be limited in scope and will not maintain the status quo.
