Irish border controls needed in no-deal Brexit: European Union chief

Jean-Claude Juncker, chief of the European Union’s executive arm, says border controls will be placed on the Irish border if Britain leaves the bloc without a deal.

Juncker told Sky News on Sunday the EU has to “make sure that the interests of the European Union and of the internal market will be preserved.”

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

How to preserve a frictionless border between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, is the thorniest issue in the Brexit discussions.

WATCH: Britain’s Supreme Court to rule on parliament suspension by Boris Johnson

1:53 Britain’s Supreme Court to rule on parliament suspension by Boris Johnson

Juncker noted that without a border after a no-deal Brexit, an animal entering Northern Ireland could then enter the EU via Ireland without any controls. He says “this will not happen. We have to preserve the health and the safety of our citizens.”

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on Oct. 31.