UK will always have a place in EU, if you want to come, said Irish Prime Minister

About Leo Varadkar said on Monday at a press conference in Dublin ahead of a meeting with the chief negotiator of the EU Brexit Michel Barnier

MerrionStreet.ie Irish Government News Service

The head of the government of Ireland Leo Varadkar expressed regret about the upcoming January 31 of a British exit from the European Union. He also assured the British that they will always be able to find a place in the EU, if you want to come back.

About Leo Varadkar said on Monday at a press conference in Dublin ahead of a meeting with the chief negotiator of the EU Brexit Michel Barnier. “On Friday we will say goodbye to our old friend who goes on an adventurous journey, – said Varadkar, quoted by TASS. – We hope that everything goes well, but if not, they always if you want to find a seat at the European table.”

The Irish Prime Minister added that he is ready to achieve “an ambitious agreement” on the future relationship between the EU and great Britain, but urged parties to “be realistic”. “The basis on which we will build a new relationship needs to be strong and fair, we must observe the rules of the game,” said Varadkar.

According to the Prime Minister of Ireland, with Barnier, they are United in the opinion that to start a new phase of negotiations with the UK on future relations with a positive attitude. He stressed that “the deal about the exit (from the EU UK. – Approx. TASS) gives assurance of the absence of “hard border” between the North and the South of Ireland”.

Chief negotiator of the EU Brexit has pointed to the need for full implementation of the Protocol in Northern Ireland – part of the agreement about the release, which spelled out measures to maintain the free movement of goods and people across the border. “We will strictly monitor its implementation,” said Barnier.

The UK should leave the European Union by 23:00 on January 31 local time (02:00 on 1 February GMT). After the “divorce” will be a transitional period during which the attitudes of communities and the Kingdom will not undergo any changes. This stage is expected to end on 31 December. During this time, London is going to negotiate with Brussels about the new trade agreement.