Representatives of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the European Union held talks to ease trade tensions following the Brexit. In the UK, the government is seeking an extension to address issues as new border restrictions have already caused shortages and delays in the delivery of certain goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Under the Brexit agreement, the so-called “Northern Ireland Protocol” guarantees an open border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Instead, there is an imaginary border in the Irish Sea, which justifies customs and veterinary inspections on certain products traveling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Maros Cefkovic, Vice President of the European Commission: “This is a two-way street, where the UK must abide by its commitments, that is, implement the protocol properly.

Animal-based dietary restrictions have already been suspended following the appearance of graffiti, which raises concerns about workers’ safety. Pro-British trade unions say the restrictions are creating a rift between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK, raising concerns that the issue could lead to persistent tensions in society.