Brussels: European Union governments agreed on the need for action “strong” against Britain if London followed his threat to increase post-trade dispute Brexit, EU diplomats said on Wednesday.
Britain and the European Commission have been talking for the last month of the trade arrangements for Northern Ireland, with the necessary checks on goods coming from the UK.
Checks necessary to avoid introducing harsh border between the province of British and Irish EU members.
European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic briefing EU Ambassador in Brussels on Wednesday and, according to EU diplomats, telling them that are involved with England is not going well, but the talks must continue.
The Commission last month offered a package of measures to facilitate the transit of goods to Northern Ireland, but it stopped on the improvement London Want protocols that govern the unique trading position of the province.
Britain has threatened to trigger the emergency provisions under Article 16 of the Protocol.
“The EU is preparing a trigger Article 16 by the UK.
There is a consensus among EU member states who move arbitrary and not justified by the UK will be met with a clear European response,” said an EU diplomat.
EU diplomats said there was agreement in the 27 EU members needed a clear response.
Some stressed it must be “proportionate”, the other must be “hit hard” or “strong”, even if it also has negative impact on the EU economy.
“There’s no point just hanged,” said one diplomat.
The Commission, which oversees EU relations with the post-Brexit English, can present possible options for action next week.
EU leaders also vowed to determine the response if the UK does trigger Article 16.
Brexit Minister David Frost said on Wednesday that Brussels should remain calm and avoid retaliation “out of proportion”.