EU response to thisis that « preparedness » will certainly be brought up at the Joint Committee meeting with Michael Gove on Monday. Brussels says he has given EU his word that the Protocol will be implemented so EU taking his word for it ../1 https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/new-brexit-checks-at-ni-ports-will-not-be-ready-on-time-official-confirms-39559170.html

EU sources say they’ve offered “help” to UK ie their expertise and experience with EU regulations that UK needs to carry out on EU’s behalf between GB/NI under the Protocol. More problematic then border posts, the EU believes IT systems and VAT are even more of challenge /2

I’m told EU will call next week for formation of a Specialised Committee on the Protocol as time running out. EU sources unwilling to be drawn on the “what if the protocol is not fully implemented” scenario. They say Committee(s) is/are there to facilitate implementation /3

If not implemented then EU says will take legal action. But rejects that Michael Gove has repeatedly assured EU it will be implemented. On third country status and “food blockade if NIreland accusations” it’s been described to me here as “bonkers” and “entirely made up” .. /4

EU figured think UK “invented” the row so they could “invent” an EU climbdown when bloc doesn’t issue third country status to U.K. One Brussels insider said: “Look all sorts of countries are on the list. Eg Mongolia. Can’t imagine UK not being on it” BUT /5

EU still waiting to see UK food sanitation legislation to take hold after 1 Jan. It points out that EU always knows legislation of other countries before putting them on the list. UK can be no exception. “Verbal assurances aren’t enough” says Brussels /6

Huge concern for EU -particularly Ireland - is if Protocol not implemented and there’s no trade deal between EU and UK, then we’re back to the haunting question of where border checks can be carried out.. with all the political, social, economic implications that involves - /7

For Ireland, NIreland, for EU single market, for the peace process as a whole. “That uncertainty was supposed to be over and done with,” is what you repeatedly hear in Brussels. “That is why EU and UK negotiators worked so long and hard for three years to try and solve” /8

NB the Protocol was designed as an “all weather agreement” - to exist in case there was no trade deal but that could be superseded by a deal. EU diplomats keen to remind that NIreland Assembly this week adopted a motion rejecting the government’s Internal Market Bill /9

Typo above in /3 Should read: EU will call for meeting of Specialised Committee on the Protocol -as time running out