In an attempt to limit the movement of vaccines produced in Europe but contractually agreed to be delivered to the UK, the European Union threatened to implement border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland. This move served to indicate the EU was, against their commitment to upholding the good Friday agreement, prepared to put a hard boarder in Ireland and wilfully disrupt the peace deal. The decision was a political back fire which was almost immediately reversed by the EU commission under intense global condemnation. The move has dramatically destabilised relations with the EU and the UK at a time when Brexit negotiations still remain ongoing.