'EU triggering of Article 16 was more of a cock-up than a conspiracy'
1 February 2021, 17:51
'EU triggering of Article 16 was more of a cock-up than a conspiracy'
The EU's decision to trigger Article 16 before eventually making a U-turn was "more of a cock-up than a conspiracy," a leading Irish journalist has told James O'Brien.
RTE Europe Editor Tony Connelly's words have come after the EU itself admitted it "made a mistake" with its move to override part of the Brexit deal on Northern Ireland over export controls on coronavirus vaccines.
The EU made the U-turn on Friday after condemnation from London, Dublin and Belfast over the move.
James O'Brien reacts to EU's "downright dangerous" behaviour
Speaking of the EU's decision to initially trigger Article 16, Mr Connelly told James: "Clearly Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Commission and her Cabinet were in charge of this, so I mean the buck stops there."
RTE's Europe Editor also said: "I think it's more of a cock-up than a conspiracy..."
Brussels correspondent argues that AstraZeneca is being scapegoated
He added: "The fact that they were able to reverse course so quickly would suggest this was more of a cock-up than some masterful plan..."
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove on Sunday told reporters that the EU has acknowledged it made a mistake and agreed that a "reset" on relations is needed.
