During the EP plenary debate in Brussels on the state of play of the EU's COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission has apologised publicly for “mistakes" made in triggering Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol last month.

EU - United Kingdom (T)

debate

plenary session

EU - Ireland (T)

VON DER LEYEN, Ursula (DE, EC)

vaccination strategy (T)

Statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, EC President, on triggering Article 16 of Northern Ireland Protocol - Extract

SOUNDBITE (English), Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the EC, <p>Allow me a word on the island of Ireland, the bottom line is that mistakes were made and the process leading up to the decision, and I deeply regret that. But in the end, we got it right and I can reassure you that my Commission will do its utmost to protect the peace of Northern Ireland, just as it has done throughout the entire Brexit process.</p>