The UK and EU are trying to strike a deal on Northern Ireland by February

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European Union and British officials are trying to finalize a deal on a post-Brexit trade relationship by next February and end a contentious dispute that has clouded relations since the United Kingdom left the bloc three years ago.

Local newspaper Luxembourg Times reported that the two sides have intensified talks in recent weeks on the so-called Northern Ireland protocol after months of deadlock, and the mood in London and Brussels is more than positive, according to sources familiar with the matter. for a little while.

European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who is in charge of relations with Britain after “Brexit”, will meet British Foreign Minister James Wise in Brussels tomorrow Thursday to assess political issues, sources told the newspaper.

Their first meeting – according to sources – is not expected to yield immediate progress, but is believed to provide an impetus to further accelerate talks in the new year.

The paper added that any deal would require the UK to move away from its position, which has so far called for the European Court of Justice to have no role in resolving disputes over EU law. Reduces barriers to trade flows between Britain and Northern Ireland.

He noted that the change in mood among EU officials mirrored what their British counterparts had said in recent weeks, with London previously reported to have decided to postpone elections in Northern Ireland until next February in order to allow time for the UK and the EU. A contract must be concluded by that date.

It is worth noting that the Northern Ireland Protocol is an essential provision of Britain’s Withdrawal Agreement from the European Union, which was negotiated and ratified by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson some three years ago, but it is a protocol. , prompting the EU to take several measures against London.