Thread by @tconnellyRTE

Here is the gist of the EU proposals on the NI Protocol, to be set out by @MarosSefcovic tomorrow:

1/ Sources say overall the proposals will mean a "massive" reduction in checks and controls on goods moving GB-NI, and in customs formalities

2/ There will be simplifications and relaxations that will allow for the free flow of SPS goods into NI, including "identity products". Essentially the movement of chilled meats (ie sausages) will be control free but labelling will be required

3/ Critically, for large mixed consignments of animal-based products only one export health certificate will be required (rather than dozens)

4/ This will be facilitated by a much bigger flow of data between the UK and EU and between big retailers, which have sophisticated traceability systems, and the EU

5/ On customs, the principle will be that goods deemed not at risk of entering the single market will have a zero customs value in the UK system, but that will also expand to mean minimal customs requirements

6/ Sources say this will result in "a massive reduction in customs procedures on goods arriving" - I understand the Commission will give specific examples tomorrow

7/ On governance, one paper will refer to possible changes in the working of the Joint Consultative Working Group. Also structured dialogue with key stakeholders will be formalised, so meetings will no longer be ad hoc but will be regular.

8/ There will also be reference to a possible sub structure for Northern Ireland in the EU UK Parliamentary Assembly. Naturally, there is no reference to the ECJ, or David Frost's demands on that score

9/ On medicines: The Commission has already said it will introduce a new law to ensure the free flow of medicines to NI from GB. It's understood the medicines paper will make it clear that this will cover generics, all cancer and new innovative and life saving medicines

10/ Sources say new medicines that are authorized either in Britain, or in Europe, will be readily available in Northern Ireland.

11/ The papers will signal where solutions are to be found, rather than be filled with finalised, technical outcomes. Sources say that indicates that an intense discussion with the UK will follow (and if the UK has better ideas which work within the Protocol they can be adopted)

12/ Sefcovic will present the papers to the member states, the College of Commissioners, the European Parliament tomorrow - the papers will be published on Thurs and a Commission team will travel to London the same day to start the talks

13/ Sefcovic will present the papers as being for the benefit of the people of NI, and not a big concession to Downing Street

14/ Diplomats say the papers have been the result of very hard discussions with the main Commission directorates: DG SANTE, DG TAXUD and DG GROW and that there has been considerable resistance due to fears over the integrity of the single market, especially on SPS

15/ What margin for a landing zone might there be, given the vertiginous heights Lord Frost has put the bar following his Lisbon speech?

16/ Sources point to key moments in the past years where Boris Johnson took a sudden and big gambit (then claimed credit for it); while Article 16 is still a worry, officials are hopeful that a deal can be reached

17/ If A16 is triggered, diplomats say the Commission has been working on a parallel track in terms of the response (France and Germany have been pushing the hardest for a contingency plan)

18/ It's understood checks won't be eliminated completely. They will also just cover GB-NI trade, ie, if ingredients from Asia are used to finish a good in GB then that product would be subject to checks

19/ The key message from the Commission will be that Sefcovic went to NI to listen carefully to stakeholders, and he has delivered solutions within the "outer boundaries of what EU law can bear", acc to one diplomat

Correction: the papers will be published tomorrow evening (Wed)