Brussels warns London not to challenge divorce agreement

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission,  warned on Monday that without the provisions of the UK's exit agreement regarding the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, there will be no future partnership between the Union and the British Islands. This is a reaction to the latest news from the UK, whose government is expected to take steps to undermine the Brexit deal previously signed with the EU, if a trade deal with UE is not agreed in October.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed the EU that the free trade agreement must be concluded by October 15, and if this does not happen, the UK will cease further negotiations. At the same time, there was information in the British media that the local government was preparing regulations that would replace the current solutions regarding the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

"The protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland is essential to safeguard peace and stability in the UK and the integrity of the single market," von der Leyen said.

She expressed the conviction that the British government would implement the agreement on leaving the EU, which was an obligation under international law. She also called it a precondition for the future partnership between EU and the United Kingdom.

The border guarantee is a key part of the legally binding divorce agreement signed by both parties last year. Reuters stresses that its annulment could potentially jeopardize the entire treaty and create friction in Northern Ireland.

(PAP)