This article authored by Kate McKenna and Simon
Shinkwin considers for how long, post-Brexit, can Ireland
expect Continued Alignment by the UK Government with EU State
Aid Rules.
We focus on the special treatment of Northern Ireland in the
Withdrawal Agreement. We consider the positive impact this has
for Irish businesses facing competition from Northern Irish
businesses, by enabling them to continue to invoke EU State aid
rules for a longer period than that available to businesses in
other Member States.
Impact for Irish Companies
The UK will continue to be governed by EU State aid rules
until 31 December 2020 and Northern Ireland until at least 31
December 2024 (compliance being monitored by the European
Commission). As a result Irish companies can still make State
aid complaints to the European Commission up until 31 December 2024
in relation to potentially unfair advantages granted by the UK
which affect Northern Ireland / EU trade (and impacting on
