The French president visited Ireland for the first time since taking office. Emmanuel Macron carried a message of solidarity in his bag. He emphasized that despite Brexit, the Irish people would always be able to count on Europe’s support.
About nine months after the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, Ireland and the European Union continue to struggle with the focus that generates an ongoing debate. This is the Northern Ireland Protocol, which prevents the return of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“It is an existential issue of the solidarity and unity of the European Union. Therefore, we will work to ensure that the agreements signed after long negotiations regarding fisheries or some well-known protocols are fulfilled. And frankly: we will never disappoint you”, the French president insisted.
But divisions persist on other fronts. Ireland is one of three countries in the European Union that reject the overall minimum tax rate of 15%. About 130 countries, accounting for more than 90% of global GDP, agreed.
On this issue, Emmanuel Macron hopes that Ireland will change its mind: “A new post-Covid-19 world. So it is likely that the situation will require a profound change in our classic business model. I am confident, but I am not putting pressure on your Prime Minister.”
With an attractive IRC rate of 12.5%, Ireland has benefited for years, managing to attract giants such as Apple, Facebook and Google, which have set up financial headquarters in the territory.
A third of the Irish workforce is employed by multinational companies. Therefore, getting the parties to line up is likely to be more difficult than Macron imagines.
