Varadkar to attend EU leaders meeting where Windsor Framework will be discussed
Economic issues, energy and migration will also be discussed at the European Council meeting.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Irish premier Leo Varadkar is to travel to Brussels on Thursday for a meeting of EU leaders where the Windsor Framework will be discussed.
The leaders of 27 EU countries are also expected to discuss economic issues, energy and migration, and will meet the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres.
It comes after EU member states approved the framework on Tuesday, and after a key element of the EU-UK agreement – the Stormont brake – was endorsed by 515 votes to 29 in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
The DUP voted against it, with party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson saying they wanted assurances that EU law could not impede Northern Ireland’s ability to trade with the rest of the UK.
Speaking ahead of the European Council meeting, the Taoiseach said the latest developments on the Windsor Framework and the “difficult situation” in Ukraine would be discussed.
“I am joining other EU leaders in Brussels to reaffirm our solidarity and continued political, economic, military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
“As we have said before, we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“We will discuss recent developments regarding the Windsor Framework and there will be an important discussion on economic issues, including how to ensure Europe’s future prosperity.
“I will be encouraging further work to improve the competitiveness of the European economy, making the most out of our single market, to drive future growth.
“We need to accelerate the green transition, boost skills, strengthen the single market and maintain an open and ambitious trade policy.”
European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic is due to travel to London on Friday, where he is to meet with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris as part of the EU-UK Joint Committee.
This was a body set up as part of the Brexit process to oversee the implementation of the protocol and facilitate any changes as may have been required.