decision British government pass a law that unilaterally rewrites protocol for A key element to prevent the return of a hard border to the island of Ireland included in the divorce deal negotiated and signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson with the European Union, Northern Ireland has opened numerous loopholes in the country. complex relationships Between London and Brussels. The following keys highlight the key points of the crisis.
What is the Northern Ireland Protocol?
a key layout of the withdrawal agreement United Kingdom from EU. It went into effect on 1 January 2021, but its implementation has since become a headache due to constant barriers in London. main target Maintaining the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreements, prevent a hard border from returning to the island and allow uncontrolled passage goods between the north and south of the island.
How does it work?
this customs inspections to incoming products North Irelandstill a part of European domestic marketThey do not disappear from Great Britain, but instead of being carried out on the Irish border, Moving to Irish Sea ports So once evacuated they can roam the island without further obstructions. For the Northern Irish trade unionist parties, Irish Sea borderHowever, it undermines the territorial integrity of England. In addition Ulster Unionist Party (DUP), runner-up in the May elections Sinn Fein is reluctant to appoint a deputy prime minister to the new Northern Ireland government until its concerns in this area are resolved. A stance that has given wings Boris Johnson take advantage of the situation and change the terms of the agreement with the EU one-sided shape.
What does London want now?
Suggested solution London passes create double entry channel for goods entering North Ireland from Great Britain. Those heading for the Northern Ireland market can do this through a green corridor with no border controls. those destined for Eireand therefore the EU is a red stripe and will be subject to European standards. British companies exporting to Northern Ireland can choose between meeting European or British standards. plan London Moreover eliminates the role of supervision in one hit of the EU Court of Justice It is in the settlement of possible disputes in Northern Ireland and is replacing it with a dispute resolution system.
How did the EU respond?
The offer has been pending for months. European Commission, reacting by warning if approved will undermine an international agreement For example, the UK’s Agreement to Leave the EU, of which the protocol is a part. intent for now Brussels To reintroduce the breach procedure initiated in March 2021 due to London’s decision to unilaterally delay the implementation of border controls that have not yet been made. The threat was suspended last September to create a “constructive” climate to support negotiations with London. this European Commission He even went so far as to propose in October. removal of controls up to 80% and paperwork cut in half, but negotiations have not made any progress in this area, and Brussels regrets that they did not take advantage of the flexibility offered.
What will be the next step?
intention Community Executive Vice President, Maros Shekovicthis re-enable frozen violation procedure and predictably – this week – a new sanction procedure to protect the single market. In addition, the person in charge of negotiating with London warned: violate the agreement of the Brexit, of which the protocol is a part, could undermine the cooperation and free trade agreement between the EU and the UK, and this could even lead to the suspension of the international agreement.
How long can a new pulse last?
The approval of the new law proposed by the Boris Johnson Government, if it manages to persuade in Westminster, will take months due to massive parliamentary opposition to the text. Again, European Union he has no intention of sitting idly by waiting and anticipates that he will present new infringement procedures To protect the internal market if goods from Great Britain continue to enter without customs checks. this legal battleMaking a complaint to the EU Court of Justice, the highest legal authority in Europe, can continue for years.