Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Statement by the European Commission following the UK's request to extend the grace period for chilled meats

The European Commission received today a request from the United Kingdom to extend a grace period concerning the movement of chilled meats from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, agreed within the context of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland.

This grace period is due to expire on 30 June 2021. The UK has requested that it be extended to 30 September 2021. The Commission will now assess this request.

The Commission has already indicated its openness to finding solutions in line with the Protocol.

However, for that to happen, the UK must fully implement the Protocol, which is the solution found to protect the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, the functioning of the all-island economy, and the integrity of the EU's Single Market. There is no alternative to the Protocol.

When looking for solutions, providing stability and predictability for the people of Northern Ireland will be of paramount importance.

Vice-President MaroÅ¡ Å efÄ