The European Commission is now taking the first steps in what could be a long and complicated legal process against the United Kingdom. In a first step, the British have one month to respond to the Commission before proceeding with the process.
The reason is the controversial law presented by the British that violates the agreement that regulates the conditions for Britain’s exit from the EU. The United Kingdom says it is only a matter of necessary clarification, but the EU side sees it as an extreme violation of international law and a major threat to the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The Commission has previously warned of legal action unless the London government withdrew the controversial parts of the bill before the end of September. A deadline that has now been passed.
The message from the Commission was therefore expected, but it comes in the middle of ongoing negotiations here in Brussels between the EU and the UK on a future agreement after Brexit. And it comes in a sensitive position when it is said that there is less progress in the negotiations.
Sweden EU Minister Hans Dahlgren however, it seems natural that the Commission should now respond. Confidence between the partners is damaged, he says, but it does not depend on the EU in the first place, but on the UK.
– It is not wise to admit that you have made a decision that is contrary to international law, he says.
And if there is to be an agreement between the EU and the UK on future agreements, the law must be changed, says Dahlgren.
Source: ICELAND NEWS