Ireland – Meeting between Franck Riester and Leo Varadkar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade (11 March 2021)

Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will speak with Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, on March 11.

While after Brexit France has become Ireland’s closest geographical neighbor within the EU, this conversation falls within the context of a sustained series of political dialogues and a shared determination to develop economic and trade ties between our two countries.

Franck Riester and Leo Varadkar will discuss the priority areas for our bilateral roadmap, such as digital technology, sustainable cities and renewable energy, with a view toward the adoption of a joint plan of action decided in principle on December 3, 2020, between Jean-Yves le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

The conversation will provide an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol following the UK’s unilateral decision to extend the grace period applicable to some goods entering Northern Ireland from the UK until October 1. The ministers will also exchange views on major current trade issues.