Britain gives the European Union representative in London as ambassador to Europe. DW

The British government agreed to give full ambassador status to the EU representative in London, after months of withdrawal due to Brexit, with both parties announcing this Wednesday (05.05.2021).

The decision was presented at the end of a meeting between the British diplomat Dominic Rabb in the European Union and his counterpart in the European Union, Joseph Borel, on the occasion of the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in London.

“The European Union ambassador will have the same rank status as the heads of states’ missions, including the recognition and presentation of credentials for the head of state,” Queen Elizabeth II, he elaborated in a joint statement.

“Employees of the EU delegation will have the necessary privileges and immunities to function effectively,” he said.

Boris Johnson’s executive has so far insisted on granting the European ambassador, Portuguese João Valle de Almeida, the status of a representative of an international organization, which caused strong tension with Brussels, which described the British decision as “unfortunate”.

In retaliation, the European Union decided in January to postpone its contacts with the new UK ambassador until the dispute was resolved.

FR / Reuters / AP / RR