The EU Ambassador (“Coreper“) & Sherpa nexus has always been the key channel for getting stuff done in Europe. But HMG no longer sits in Coreper & @BorisJohnson no longer has a Europe Sherpa. All EU roads instead now lead to Frost - who sits in Cabinet. This isn't good 1/
It means Lindsay Appleby, HMG's new EU Ambo, has a much harder job in Bxl - less access to his EU peers than his predecessors; a more hierarchical set of relationships in London with just a direct line up to Frost 2/
The UK & EU are also currently arguing about the status of the EU delegation in London; this has further impacted access of HMG in Bxl. In short term, this will certainly aggravate the ability to find joint solutions to frictions on GB-NI border 3/
As of now HMG position is basically: “We're going to provide EU with lots more evidence to show it that its concerns over “goods at risk“ are exaggerated; they know we're currently aligned & we'll inform them if things change“. EU position is basically: “We need a deal on SPS“ 4/
Bridging these gaps - & others in future - will require effective, informal back channels, as the most imp discussions are always the ones that take place before everyone is in the (Joint Committee) room. But whether pol realities in London allow for them remains to be seen 5/5
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