18 May 2022: EM Ireland Chair, Julie Sinnamon; CEO, Noelle O Connell and Deputy CEO, Stephen O’Shea met Maroš Šefčovič, Vice President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight this afternoon in Brussels.
Speaking after the meeting, EMI Chair, Julie Sinnamon said:
“We discussed the need for continued engagement to resolve issues surrounding the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. From European Movement Ireland’s perspective, we strongly support the efforts of the Vice President and the EU institutions to provide flexibility within the parameters of the Protocol. Discussions must continue to resolve existing issues and to ensure that people and businesses in Northern Ireland can take full advantage of their unique position in accessing both the British and EU markets.
“We are gravely concerned by the British government’s intention to introduce legislation to disapply parts of the Protocol as announced this week. A mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and UK is undoubtedly in the best interests of both sides and a goal worth striving for.”
CEO Noelle O Connell said:
“We were delighted to meet with Vice-President Šefčovič while in Brussels for a series of meetings on Ireland’s EU relationship as we approach 50 years of our EU membership. We discussed the important role played by civil society organisations such as EMI in ongoing engagement on these issues, now and in the period ahead. EM Ireland will continue and intensify efforts to engage people and civil society in communicating issues related to the evolving EU-UK relationship and Ireland’s unique position in this regard.”
Ends.
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Notes:
- Contact Ryan Levis to arrange for interview / comment – details as above.
- Tá urlabhraithe Gaeilge ar fáil le hagallaimh a dhéanamh leis na meáin Gaeilge;
- About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish NGO working on European affairs. An independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation, EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. We facilitate links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, education programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events. For more information, visit europeanmovement.ie.