The European Commission has been urged by Irish MEP Seán Kelly to press ahead with the adoption of the EU's Brexit fund, as currently proposed.

The Ireland South MEP made his case in a meeting with the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn.

Speaking yesterday (Tuesday, March 30) after the meeting, Kelly said:

The Irish MEP has previously criticised French proposals to alter the way the fund will be divided up between member states and could result in a reduction to Ireland's allocation by up to €200 million.

Continuing, he said: "In announcing the fund, it was Commissioner Hahn who pointed to its aim which is to provide swift and uncomplicated help, focusing on those EU member states most adversely affected by Brexit.

"I was reassured to hear again of his firm commitment to maintaining the current format of the fund and that he believes that further urgency is required," he added.

Kelly, who is a member of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, is leading a campaign by a number of national delegations belonging to the European People’s Party calling for the speedy adoption of the fund in order to help businesses and communities cope with increased costs of trade and lost income.

The Irish, Dutch, Danish, Luxembourg and Belgian EPP Group delegations have all rejected the French proposals to alter the calculation method for dividing up the fund.

“In our view, the methodology proposed by the commission is appropriate because it allocates the biggest amounts to those member states most affected," Kelly continued.

"It is not acceptable to change the fund in this way, especially at a time when businesses are suffering from both the Brexit trading blow and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The EU needs to act without further delay and progress all supportive measures that can help sustain European businesses in need", he said.

Concluding, Kelly also thanked Commissioner Hahn for his "enthusiasm and readiness to meet to discuss this important issue".