European Commission president set to discuss NI Protocol on visit to Dublin

Q Radio News/PA

The president of the European Commission is to visit Ireland on Friday.

Ursula von der Leyen will meet Irish premier Micheal Martin at the Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman.

The Taoiseach and the president will have a bilateral meeting at which they will discuss Covid-19 and vaccines, EU/UK relations and the Commission’s new “fit for 55” package of measures to support climate action.

The meeting comes at a time of tension between the UK and EU over the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Micheal Martin

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Martin said he expected the Protocol to feature in their discussions.

“I very much look forward to welcoming President von der Leyen. 

“The EU has played an important role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic – in responding to the crisis, in rolling out vaccines, and in laying foundations for a strong economic recovery in Europe, driven by the digital and climate transformations,” he said.

“I also look forward to discussing with her some important topics on the EU agenda including: Covid-19 and how we can accelerate our efforts on vaccination; the EU’s relations with the UK, including ongoing work to implement the Protocol; and the package of measures the Commission announced this week to deliver the EU’s climate ambition.”

Ursula von der Leyen