Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

EU-UK Relations and the Windsor Framework: Engagement with European Commission Vice President

Mr. Maro? ?efovi:

I saw that I had disappeared from the screen, but I am back now. I will continue.

We will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the entire agreement, in particular as it relates to the level playing field commitments. At the same time we must continue to address more difficult topics, such as the retained EU law Bill, and the Bill of Rights Bill. The UK is of course entitled to diverge from the EU if it wishes to do so, but more divergence carries more costs and will further deepen the barriers to trade between the EU and the UK. Having said that, I believe we have a mutual interest in the trade and co-operation agreement working well. To conclude, I once again thank the committee for its support and trust. I am convinced that a stable and positive relationship between the EU and the UK, based on the international agreements we have both signed and ratified, is in our mutual interest. At at time when western unity is so important, our shared values and objectives should inspire us to work together in a spirit of partnership to address the common challenges we face. The EU continues to play its part. I thank the committee for its attention and I look forward to hearing its views and answer any questions.

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