BRUSSELS (CU)_The path has now been cleared for the final ratification of the post-Brexit trade deal by
the EU, as the European Parliament’s committees on relations with Britain voted in favour of the
agreement on Thursday (15 April).
Last month, Brussels suspended voting in response to the changes made by London to the trading
arrangements in Northern Ireland, which was recognised by the EU as a breach of the terms of the UK’s
withdrawal agreement. Although the European Parliament faces a deadline due at the end of this
month, the lawmakers say they want to see how Britain would implement the disputed Northern Ireland
protocol.
Nevertheless, the bloc’s foreign affairs and trade committees backed the agreement struck on Christmas
Eve last year, by 108 votes to one. Although the full chamber is yet to give its approval, it has become
evident that the deal would receive majority backing.
However, if voting does not take place this month, the application of the deal would not be extended.
This means that the agreement would cease to apply and therefore Britain and the EU would have to
trade according to the terms set out by the World Trade Organisation.
According to Christophe Hansen, a lead MEP on post-Brexit relations, it is highly unlikely that London
would agree to another extension, which means the EU only has a few more weeks to make a final
decision. Despite the vote this week, European lawmakers have compromised so as to allow the
committee to still decide if it is to put the trade agreement before the full chamber during its April 26-29
session.
Meanwhile, the highly contentious Brexit arrangements on Northern Ireland have fueled the worst riots
the province had experienced in years. In the recent weeks, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in
Belfast, setting vehicles on fire and attacking police officers with bricks and bottles. Nevertheless,
London and Brussels have dialed down their rhetoric, as both parties seek to overcome differences.
As part of these efforts, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator Lord David Frost is set to meet with European
Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic on Thursday evening in order to agree on a direction for
future talks.
