The European Committee of the Regions members on the  6 December urged the European Union to take measures to mitigate the impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. The debate with Michel Barnier, during which the EU's Chief Negotiator with the United Kingdom was praised for having secured an agreement that limits the risks posed to the EU and to Ireland in particular and for his outreach to cities and regions over the course of negotiations.

The debate happened at a pivotal time in the ratification; a few days after the member states' heads of state and government endorsed the Withdrawal Agreement, which will be put to the UK Parliament for the first step of ratification on 11 December. The agreement is a prelude to talks on long-term relations between the UK and the EU, which Mr Barnier told the CoR in March 2017 should be "ambitious" on trade, research and innovation, climate action, international cooperation and development, and security.

Mr Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator and a former European commissioner for regional development, said on 6 December: "It is a balanced deal; it is the only one and the best one possible. The agreement respects the EU's principles, while taking into account the UK's red lines. It will preserve fair competition and will maintain opportunities for cooperation with UK cities, regions or universities. It will maintain the economic dynamism of our territories, some of which closely trade with the United Kingdom, though our principal shared asset remains the internal market. But without ratification, there will be no withdrawal agreement or transition period. This 'no deal' scenario cannot be ruled out so it is necessary for all regions and cities to be well prepared."

EA Group President Karl Vanlouwe, member of the Flemish Parliament called for More flexibility for EU state aid rules to regions and business most affected by BREXIT and more focus on ports, while welcoming the new proposals in the North Sea Corridor in the Connecting Europe Facility.

Leitrim County Councillor Enda Stenson spoke at the debate and said that coming from a border County everything should be done to ensure there is no hard border on the Island of Ireland.  He also said that measures should be put in place to protect the agriculture and food producers.  Lastly Cllr Stenson highlighted that the healing of communities since the Good Friday agreement should not be reopened due to the madness of a number of politicians in London and in Northern Ireland " this is not about egos this is about real life consequences on the ordinary citizens".

Cllr Declan McDonnell Galway City council highlighted the need for continued cooperation in the field of culture and Heritage as well as the need to ensure the continued free movement of people.