European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič announced on Monday that the Commission has taken specific steps to ensure the continuity of supplies of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland, but also to Cyprus, Ireland, and Malta.

“This decision means that citizens and businesses there will continue to be able to buy veterinary medical products from within the United Kingdom” Šefčovič explained.

“Throughout this year, the European Union has worked tirelessly to facilitate the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on the ground” he continued.

“We have shown determination to find joint solutions with the United Kingdom government that work for all communities in Northern Ireland, protecting the Good Friday Agreement” he added.

Šefčovič underlined that veterinary medicine is essential for animal health and welfare, for food safety, and public health.

“Brexit has meant that EU rules in this area no longer apply in the UK. But under the Protocol, those EU rules continue to apply in Northern Ireland. This avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland – an objective shared by the European Union and the United Kingdom” he explained.

“We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by stakeholders, particularly those in Northern Ireland. We understand those concerns. And that is why we are acting today” he stressed.

“By extending the current arrangements to December 2025, we are giving ample time to adapt. This is a practical solution to a practical problem. And it underlines our genuine commitment to engaging constructively with the UK to find agreed solutions around the Protocol” Šefčovič further explained.

The Vice President of the Commission expressed hope that these positive announcement will carry into other areas of our discussion. “I am convinced that there is a window of opportunity for a positive outcome, for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland” he said.