The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Maros Sefcovic said on Thursday that the bloc is "ready to double down on our efforts to find joint solutions for the benefit of all communities in Northern Ireland" as it relaunches the Northern Ireland Protocol talks with the new British government. "I want to make the most of this clear window of opportunity. Our teams continue to work and we'll speak soon," he added.
British Foreign Minister James Cleverly acknowledged "important discussions" with Sefcovic, stating that the United Kingdom "remains committed to finding a durable solution for the benefit of all." Both Cleverly and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signaled that they will pursue a softer stance on Brexit than their predecessors, although Sunak rejected the possibility of a "Swiss-style" agreement.
