It is a big relief for us to see that Member States adopted on Friday the guidelines which will allow to begin the discussion with the UK on the framework for the future relationship. Securing a comprehensive trade agreement is what is needed for all of us to continue to do business after Brexit and to ensure UK and EU consumers will be able to continue to enjoy the full range of products.
The political agreement on the transition period is also a positive outcome for the legal certainty we need. Right from the outset, we have been calling for a transition period to deliver continuity for our producers and for the entire value-chain on whichever side of the Channel they reside. However, we are fully conscious that “nothing is agreed until everything is ratified!". Nonetheless, we call for a spirit pragmaticism and flexibility on the end limit fo the transition period. It is essential to allow businesses & public administrations sufficient time to prepare themselves for the future framework and avoid a gap between the end of transition and the start of the future bilateral relationship. It is vital for business continuity to only face one change of rules at the end of the process.
We agree with Michel Barnier that “negotiations should continue on other separation topics – which are not negligible – in particular geographical indications”. In fact, they are key to success of wine & spirits sectors as a source of consumer trust and are the basis of our export success across the world, generating growth & jobs in the European regions.
Last but not least, we recall that avoidance of a hard border in Ireland is essential for the All-island spirits industry. We support the draft text of the Protocol for Ireland/Northern Ireland and the commitment to a 'backstop' if needed. In particular, we call on the Protocol to protect All-Islands spirits Geographical Indications and cross-border supply chains.
