So, two very different read-outs by the EU and UK following the first meeting of the Joint Committee via teleconference. The UK was represented by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove, the EU by the Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic.
2/ Both sides welcomed the "constructive" nature of the teleconference. The UK said the call was joined by officials from a number of member states, as well as ministers from the NI Executive. An EU source confirmed that Irish officials were also in on the call...
3/ The Joint Committee implements the Withdrawal Agreement, including its most sensitive elements: the Irish protocol, the British base in Cyprus, Gibraltar, EU citizens in the UK (and vice versa) and the financial settlement
4/ The UK statement said London "reiterated our commitment to protecting the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in all respects, and to upholding our obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
5/ ...and "The UK emphasised our commitment to EU citizens in the UK and ensuring that UK nationals in the EU have their rights protected consistent with the Withdrawal Agreement.
6/ However, the language from the Commission statement was a lot tougher on the Irish protocol.
7/ The Commission emphaised the need to "[maintain] peace + stability on the island of Ireland in the context of the Good Friday Agreement, while ensuring the integrity of the Single Market. A new partnership can only be built on the faithful + effective implementation of the WA"
8/ The Commission added: "The detailed legal obligations of both parties are clearly set out in the Withdrawal Agreement, which entered into force on 1 February 2020. Both sides now have to implement this agreement with rigour and discipline."
9/ In other words, the EU want the UK to start showing how it's preparing for checks and controls on the Irish Sea.
10/ And the EU statement spells it out: "The parties agreed on the importance for the UK to set out its plans over the coming months with regard to the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
11/ "The Commission committed to working with the UK to implement the Protocol. There is an urgent need to present a detailed timetable + proceed with the necessary measures, such as preparing for the introduction of customs procedures for goods entering Northern Ireland from GB
12/ ...and ensuring that all necessary sanitary and phytosanitary controls as well as other regulatory checks can be carried out in respect of goods entering Northern Ireland from outside the EU.
13/ The statement continues: "Both parties agreed that clear, reliable answers are key to allowing businesses to prepare for change, to address the challenges, and to seize the opportunities, of the Protocol. Providing such answers to businesses cannot wait."
