BREAKING: the EU believes IT systems and databases for customs checks and controls need to be in place in Northern Ireland by June 1 in order for the Irish Protocol to be properly implemented, according to a nine-page note circulated to member states, and seen by @rtenews
2/ The note also says discussions on an EU office in Belfast need to be "advanced as a matter of urgency." This is despite the UK rejecting for a 2nd time this week the EU's request for a physical presence in NI to allow EU officials to support the implemention of the Protocol
3/ The note says the implemention of the Irish Protocol is the "biggest challenge" facing the Withdrawal Agreement, due to the highly technical nature of the protocol and its "political sensitivity".
4/ The working paper comes just hours after the first video meeting of the specialised subcommittee of EU and UK officials designed to oversee the implementation of the Protocol
5/ While the meeting was regarded as constructive, with the UK putting forward more concrete proposals than they have to date, both sides are still poles apart on the EU office issue, and on how goods at risk of entering the single mkt (over the landborder) should be handled.
6/ Meanwhile, Ireland has thrown its weight behind an EU presence in Belfast. Acc to sources an Irish official told the video conference that Article 12 of the Protocol meant an EU office was "logical" and that it would reflect the EU's ongoing support for the peace process
7/ Dublin also flatly rejected the idea that such an office would undermine the Good Friday Agreement. In her letter to @MichelBarnier and @HelgaSchmid_EU this week @PennyMordaunt said an EU presence wd be "divisive in political and community terms"
8/ UK sources say EU customs and veterinary officials could enter and leave NI in the same way the EU ag officials periodically carry out CAP audits in member states
9/ EU sources reject this, saying there is no comparison with the Protocol, which involves the EU is implementing its single market and customs rules in an entire chunk of a country which is no longer a member of the EU.
10/ The EU appears determined not to let the matter rest. UK sources suggest the second rejection letter means the issue is all but dead. However, I expect there will be more to come on this
Correction: note work needs to *start* by June 1, not *be in place*
