Johnson Macron disputes, Britain and Europe are going to fight the "sausage trade war"?

　　[Global Times Special Correspondent in the United Kingdom Ji Shuangcheng Global Times reporter Hao Shuangyan] The Northern Ireland trade issue left over by Britain’s “Brexit” triggered another war of words at the G7 summit.

The three-day G7 summit ended on 13th. British media said that during the meeting, French President Macron "as if talking about another country" when talking about the issue of Northern Ireland, angered British Prime Minister Johnson, who vowed. It is necessary to protect the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom "at all costs", and does not rule out the possibility of unilaterally delaying the implementation of the "Northern Ireland Protocol" in the Brexit Agreement, and the European Union has stated that it will adopt legal and tariff measures in this regard.

The two sides exchanged harsh words, making it more and more likely for the outside world to speculate on the start of a trade war between Britain and Europe.

　　According to a report from the Sunday Times on the 13th, the Northern Ireland Protocol will come into effect on the 30th of this month. By then, trade between other parts of the UK and Northern Ireland will face many obstacles, including processing sausages made in other parts of the UK. Frozen meat products will be difficult to sell in Northern Ireland.

Johnson and Macron held talks during the G7 summit on the 12th. The two sides discussed the implementation of the "Northern Ireland Protocol," but Johnson was angered by Macron's remarks about Northern Ireland.

Johnson told Macron during the meeting: "If the sausages of Toulouse, France cannot be sold in Paris, how would you feel?" Macron replied that this comparison is not appropriate, "because Paris and Toulouse belong to the same country."

Johnson immediately replied: "Northern Ireland and Britain belong to the same country."

　　According to a British Sky News report on the 13th, Johnson was extremely angry at Macron's remarks, accusing Macron of implying that "Northern Ireland is not part of British territory."

In the subsequent press conference, Johnson vowed to "defend the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom."

He also stated that the current implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol has “destructive effects” on the people of Northern Ireland. If the EU insists on its position, he will invoke Article 16 of the Protocol to take measures on its own, which “allows either party to consider the agreement. Take measures under the premise of causing economic, social or environmental problems".

　　Regarding the British accusation, Macron responded that France has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United Kingdom. "I want to remind you that Brexit comes from British sovereignty and is the result of thousands of hours of work by EU leaders. So we know very well what British sovereignty is."

Macron called on Britain to abide by the Brexit agreement with a "serious, calm and professional" attitude.

According to a Reuters report on the 14th, France’s Secretary of State for European Affairs Clement Bona stated that the current tension between Britain and Europe is a “test” for Europe.

"Mr. Johnson believes that even if it does not respect the agreement signed with Europeans, Europe will not fight back. This is a test for Europe." Bona said to Europe One: "I want to tell the British people that the Brexit agreement must Be respected, otherwise the EU will take retaliatory measures."

　　According to the Sunday Times, in addition to Macron, German Chancellor Merkel also pressured the latter in a one-on-one meeting with Johnson, demanding that the United Kingdom comply with the provisions of the Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland, otherwise it will adopt laws and regulations. Tariffs have even launched a trade war.

According to reports, Macron and Merkel's unified diplomatic offensive at the G7 summit will be supported by European Commission President Von der Lein and European Council President Michel.

　　According to the British "Daily Telegraph" report, if the European Commission launches legal action, this will also trigger the dispute settlement procedures in the Brexit trade agreement, and an arbitration panel of experts will be established.

If the arbitration panel finds that the United Kingdom is in breach of contract, the EU has reasons to take tougher measures, even including the suspension of some trade agreements.

The "Daily Telegraph" analyzed that if the situation deteriorates further, this may be the first trade war facing the UK after Brexit.

　　After Brexit, the border between Northern Ireland and the EU country Ireland has also become the land border between the UK and the EU.

In order to maintain the stability of the situation in Northern Ireland and prevent the recurrence of conflicts that have lasted for decades, the "Northern Ireland Protocol" was specially formulated in the Brexit Agreement, which stipulates that Northern Ireland and Ireland will continue to maintain a "soft border" without physical customs— -This requires many goods from other parts of the UK to be inspected when entering Northern Ireland and must comply with EU regulations.

　　The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) said on the 13th that the differences between Britain and France on Brexit at this G7 summit really broke out. Former British ambassador to France, Li Kete, believes that Johnson has realized that in dealing with the EU issue, it may not be feasible to take various measures to break down and win over individual member states. The United Kingdom cannot expect to stand up to the European Union while maintaining a warm relationship with individual countries such as France or Germany. Perhaps this is why the United Kingdom values ​​the consensus reached with the United States on the new Atlantic Charter this time. At least the United Kingdom needs to ensure Close cooperation with the United States. Daloch, the former British ambassador to the United States, said that from the results of this G7 summit, Johnson's goal of promoting a "globalized Britain" has been frustrated, mainly due to the contradictions between Britain and Europe. In Daluoqi's view, the United Kingdom needs to fulfill its commitments on the Brexit agreement before it can count on global cooperation.