Discussions on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland

Summary:

Information Guide bringing together a summary and relevant sources concerning the discussions around and challenges facing the implementation of the Protocol signed by the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) aimed at regulating the situation in the island of Ireland following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

Further information:

The substantive provisions of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland started to apply on 1 January 2021. However, its full implementation was subject to great controversy and discussion in the months that followed, particularly as the impact of those provisions on the relations between Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB) became more visible.

In late January 2021, the European Commission initially indicated it intended to trigger Article 16 of the Protocol - also known as the Safeguard Clause - to temporarily place export controls on this movement in respect of vaccines. Following criticism from UK and other European stakeholders, the Commission later backtracked on the decision.

On 3 March, the UK Government stated it intended to unilaterally extend the grace period on paperwork concerning GB-NI movement of goods and pet travel. This was criticised by the EU as a delay to the full application of the Protocol, and therefore a potential breach to it. The European Commission argues this had been conducted without previous consultation or discussion in the bodies established by the Withdrawal Agreement signed between the two sides. As a result, the Commission addressed a Letter of Formal Notice to the UK on 15 March, thereby launching an infringement procedure for breaching substantive provisions of the Protocol, as well as the good faith obligation under the Agreement. The UK was given one months to submit its observations to the Letter. A political letter was also sent to the UK's co-chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, which urged the UK government to rectify and refrain from putting into practice the statements and guidance published earlier in the month, and to engage in bilateral consultations for a solution to be found.

On 30 June, the Commission issued a package of measures aimed at addressing some of the concerns regarding the implementation of the Protocol. Unilateral statements were issued by both sides extending the grace period for the movement of chilled meats from GB to NI until 30 September 2021. The Commission also placed other solutions on the table in a number of areas, including supply of medicines, guide dogs and the insurance green card.

In July 2021, the UK minister for Brexit, David Frost, called for a complete overhaul of the Protocol. While reaffirming it would not engage in renegotiation, the Commission showed openness to discuss matters relating to the practicalities around the application of the Protocol on the ground. In September 2021, the Commission reaffirmed the infringement procedure against the UK had been halted to allow room for talks between two two sides.

On 13 October, the Commission tabled further four non-papers aimed at addressing the difficulties felt by Northern Irish people as a result of Brexit. This package was portrayed as a result of discussions with the UK Government, as well as outreach to relevant stakeholders in NI. It also responded to elements raised by the UK's Command Paper published in July 2021. In December 2021, the two sides reached an agreement on the circulation of medicines. The grace periods for chilled meat products were also extended indefinitely. On the following day, Mr Frost resigned from the UK Government over disagreements with PM Boris Johnson.

In April 2022, Mr Johnson refused to rule out tabling a Bill allowing ministers to override the Protocol. The intention to act unilaterally was formally announced by the UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on 17 May, and the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill was formally introduced by the UK Government on 13 June. It applied many of the positions stated in the Command Paper (2021).

The decision was met with regret by several European leaders and by the European Commission, which on 15 June announced the revisiting of the previously halted infringement procedure against the UK. It also launched two further infringements, for failing to carry out controls at border posts in Northern Ireland, and for failing to provide the EU with essential trade statistical data. While the governing party in the UK searched for a new leader (and Prime Minister), the Commission announced on 22 July a further set of infringement procedures against the UK for not complying with significant parts of the Protocol.

Following a short-lived cabinet led by Liz Truss, the government headed by Rishi Sunak launched a new phase in the conversation between the UK and the EU was launched by the government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. An agreement was announced on 9 January 2023 concerning data sharing on goods moving between Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. This was seen by analysts as progress in the wider framework of talks. On 16 January, the UK government committed to further negotiations to break the impasse around the Protocol.

Official

European Commission: Relations with the United Kingdom: Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-withdrawal-agreement/protocol-ireland-and-northern-ireland_en

General Secretariat of the Council (EU): Policies: The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland explained https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-relations-with-the-united-kingdom/the-eu-uk-withdrawal-agreement/the-protocol-on-ireland-and-northern-ireland-explained/

UK Parliament: House of Lords: Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Sub-Committee https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/520/protocol-on-irelandnorthern-ireland-subcommittee/

UK Government: Guidance for retailers: supplying medical devices to Northern Ireland (5 January 2021) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-retailers-supplying-medical-devices-to-northern-ireland

UK Government: Publications: Letter from Michael Gove to Maroš Šefčovič on the next steps on the Northern Ireland Protocol (2 February 2021) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957996/2020_02_02_-_Letter_from_CDL_to_VP_S%CC%8Cefc%CC%8Covic%CC%8C.pdf

UK Parliament: Written Statements, 03/03/2021: Statement made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-03-03/hcws819

European Commission: Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič following today's announcement by the UK government regarding the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (3 March 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/STATEMENT_21_1018

UK Government: Press Release, 03/03/2021: Lord Frost call with European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič: 3 March 2021 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lord-frost-call-with-european-commission-vice-president-maros-sefcovic-3-march-2021

UK Parliament: Written Statements, 11/03/2021: Statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-03-11/hcws841

European Commission: Press Release, 15/03/2021: Withdrawal Agreement: Commission sends letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breach of its obligations under the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1132

European Commission: Letter from Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič to David Frost, 15 March 2021 https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/letter-vice-president-maros-sefcovic-david-frost-15-march-2021_en

UK Government: Publications: Policy Paper, 21/07/2021: Northern Ireland protocol - next steps https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/northern-ireland-protocol-next-steps

UK Parliament: House of Lords Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Introductory report (July 2021) https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/7001/documents/72888/default/

European Commission: Statement by the European Commission following the ninth meeting of the Specialised Committee on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland (24 September 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/statement-european-commission-following-ninth-meeting-specialised-committee-implementation-protocol-ireland-and-northern-ireland_en

European Commission: Press Release, 13/10/2021: Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Commission proposes bespoke arrangements to benefit Northern Ireland https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_5215

US Congress: Foreign Affairs Committee: Press Release, 09/11/2021: Meeks, Keating, Blumenauer and Boyle Issue Statement on UK’s Threat to Invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/2021/11/meeks-keating-blumenauer-and-boyle-issue-statement-on-uk-s-threat-to-invoke-article-16-of-the-northern-ireland-protocol

Scottish Government: Publications, 16/11/2021: Northern Ireland Protocol: Letter to Lord Frost https://www.gov.scot/publications/northern-ireland-protocol-letter-to-lord-frost/

European Commission: Press Release, 17/12/2021: EU-UK relations: Commission delivers on promise to ensure continued supply of medicines to Northern Ireland, as well as Cyprus, Ireland and Malta https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_6911

UK Government: Press Release, 17/12/2021: Lord Frost statement on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: 17 December 2021 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lord-frost-statement-on-the-protocol-on-irelandnorthern-ireland-17-december-2021--2

Irish Government: Press Release, 10/05/2022: Statement on Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s call with Prime Minister Boris Johnson https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/406af-statement-on-taoiseach-micheal-martins-call-with-prime-minister-boris-johnson/

UK Government: News, 12/05/2022: Foreign Secretary's call with European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič: 12 May 2022 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretarys-call-with-european-commission-vice-president-maros-sefcovic-12-may-2022

UK Government: Statement, 17/05/2022: Northern Ireland Protocol: Foreign Secretary's statement, 17 May 2022 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/northern-ireland-protocol-foreign-secretarys-statement-17-may-2022

European Commission: Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič following today's announcement by the UK Foreign Secretary (17 May 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_22_3142

European Commission: Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič on the UK government's decision to table a bill disapplying core elements of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (13 June 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_22_3698

European Commission: Press Release, 15/06/2022: Commission launches infringement proceedings against the UK for breaking international law and provides further details on possible solutions to facilitate the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_3676

European Commission: Questions and answers on the Commission´s reaction to the United Kingdom's bill overriding core parts of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (15 June 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_3679

European Commission: Remarks by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič at the press conference on the Protocol of Ireland / Northern Ireland (15 June 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_22_3758

German Federal Government: Foreign Office: Article, 16/06/2022: Why is the Northern Ireland Protocol so important? https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/europe/northern-ireland-protocol/2537194

European Commission: Press Release, 22/07/2022: Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Commission launches four new infringement procedures against the UK https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4663

European Commission: Questions and Answers: Commission launches four new infringement procedures against the UK (22 July 2022) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_4664

European Commission: Joint Statement by Vice-President Šefčovič and UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly following their meeting in London today (9 January 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_23_101

UK Government: Press Release, 16/01/2023: Northern Ireland Protocol, 16 January 2023: joint statement from the Foreign Secretary and Vice President Šefčovič https://www.gov.uk/government/news/northern-ireland-protocol-january-2023-joint-statement-from-the-foreign-secretary-and-vice-president-sefcovic

---

News

BBC News, 29/01/2021: Brexit: EU introduces controls on vaccines to NI https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55864442

ITV News, 29/01/2021: EU U-turns on blocking Covid vaccine exports to Northern Ireland - What does it mean for Brexit and what is Article 16? https://www.itv.com/news/2021-01-29/irish-pm-welcomes-brussels-u-turn-on-bid-to-override-northern-ireland-protocol

Politico, 09/02/2021: Ireland wants EU ‘early warning system’ after Brexit border row https://www.politico.eu/article/ireland-seeks-new-eu-safeguards-after-brexit-uk-deal-override/

The Guardian, 11/02/2021: Gove and Šefčovič reiterate commitment to NI protocol after crisis talks https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/11/irish-pm-asks-eu-uk-dial-down-rhetoric-before-crisis-talks-gove-sefcovic

Reuters, 21/02/2021: Northern Ireland parties take legal action against Brexit deal https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-nireland-idUSKBN2AL0EW

EUObserver, 22/02/2021: Northern Ireland unionists attack EU-exit treaty https://euobserver.com/political/150999

Politico, 24/02/2021: No agreement on Northern Ireland grace periods in latest EU-UK talks https://www.politico.eu/article/no-agreement-on-northern-ireland-grace-periods-in-latest-eu-uk-talks/

Reuters, 03/03/2021: EU vows legal response as UK moves unilaterally on Northern Ireland https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2AV1AQ

Euronews, 03/03/2021: EU will go to court over UK's 'unilateral action' on Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.euronews.com/2021/03/03/eu-will-go-to-court-over-uk-s-unilateral-action-on-northern-ireland-protocol

The Irish Times, 03/03/2021: Government brands UK move to delay checks on goods entering North from Britain ‘deeply unhelpful’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/government-brands-uk-move-to-delay-checks-on-goods-entering-north-from-britain-deeply-unhelpful-1.4500122

Politico, 03/03/2021: EU says UK risks breaking law with solo bid to ease Northern Irish checks https://www.politico.eu/article/britain-delays-full-enforcement-of-eu-rules-at-northern-irish-ports/

France24, 03/03/2021: EU warns UK over delayed N.Ireland food checks https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210303-eu-warns-uk-over-delayed-n-ireland-food-checks

EurActiv, 04/03/2021: New Brexit row after UK extends exemption to Irish border checks https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/new-brexit-row-after-uk-extends-exemption-to-irish-border-checks/

The Guardian, 10/03/2021: Brexit: EU poised to take legal action against UK over Northern Ireland https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/10/brexit-eu-poised-to-take-legal-action-against-uk-over-northern-ireland

The Guardian, 11/03/2021: UK forced to delay checks on imports from EU by six months https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/mar/11/uk-forced-to-delay-import-checks-on-eu-goods-by-six-months-2022-border-post-not-ready

BBC News, 12/03/2021: Brexit: UK delays border checks on EU goods into Great Britain https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-56361229

RTÉ News, 15/03/2021: EU takes legal action over UK move to change terms of NI protocol https://www.rte.ie/news/brexit/2021/0315/1204033-eu-ni-protocol/

Sky News, 15/03/2021: Brexit: UK hits back at EU for launching legal action over Northern Ireland Brexit 'breach' https://news.sky.com/story/eu-launches-legal-action-against-uk-for-breaching-northern-ireland-protocol-trade-agreement-12246863

Wales Online, 15/03/2021: European Union begins legal action against the UK over post-Brexit trade 'breach' https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/european-union-begins-legal-action-20165893

Politico, 07/07/2021: Boris Johnson: UK and EU have only deferred chilled meats row https://www.politico.eu/article/great-britain-northern-ireland-protocol-boris-johnson-meat-product-shipments/

The Irish Times, 21/07/2021: Brexit: EU ‘will not renegotiate’ Northern Ireland protocol as UK demands changes https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/brexit-eu-will-not-renegotiate-northern-ireland-protocol-as-uk-demands-changes-1.4626719

Deutsche Welle, 24/07/2021: New Brexit drama looms over Northern Ireland protocol https://p.dw.com/p/3xzTP

The Telegraph, 26/07/2021: EU's protocol proposals don't go far enough, says UK https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/07/26/britain-rebuffs-brussels-latest-northern-ireland-protocol-proposals/

Politico, 28/07/2021: EU pauses both Brexit lawsuits against the UK https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-uk-legal-actions-paused/

Reuters, 08/09/2021: EU rejects UK demand to renegotiate N. Ireland protocol https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-not-aiming-renegotiate-n-ireland-protocol-eus-sefcovic-2021-09-08/

The Guardian, 10/09/2021: EU rejects UK’s demand to scrap Northern Ireland protocol https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/10/scrapping-northern-ireland-protocol-will-only-make-things-worse-says-eu

CityAM, 29/09/2021: Brexit: 'No way’ Northern Ireland Protocol will be renegotiated, warns Michel Barnier https://www.cityam.com/brexit-no-way-northern-ireland-protocol-will-be-renegotiated-warns-michel-barnier/

EurActiv, 07/10/2021: EU will go to ‘enormous lengths’ on Irish protocol, says Sefcovic https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/eu-will-go-to-enormous-lengths-on-irish-protocol-says-sefcovic/

Politico, 10/10/2021: EU unity faces fresh test in Northern Ireland Brexit row https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-northern-ireland-brexit-unity-protocol/

France24, 13/10/2021: UK shares new post-Brexit trade plan for Northern Ireland with European Union https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20211013-uk-shares-new-post-brexit-trade-proposal-for-northern-ireland-with-eu

BBC News, 25/10/2021: Northern Ireland Protocol problems 'need to be resolved by autumn' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-59042298

Sky News, 25/10/2021: Brexit: December deadline for EU as Lord Frost says current proposals to reform Northern Ireland Protocol 'don't go far enough' https://news.sky.com/story/brexit-eu-proposals-on-northern-ireland-protocol-dont-go-far-enough-lord-frost-tells-mps-12444443

The Irish Times, 28/10/2021: Most people in Northern Ireland now view protocol positively https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/most-people-in-northern-ireland-now-view-protocol-positively-1.4712095

The Guardian, 29/10/2021: Brexit: Northern Ireland protocol talks stuck in deadlock https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/oct/29/brexit-northern-ireland-protocol-talks-stuck-in-deadlock

The Guardian, 18/12/2021: Furious response from DUP over Northern Ireland protocol https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/18/furious-response-from-dup-over-northern-ireland-protocol

Reuters, 19/12/2021: UK Brexit supremo Frost resigns in blow to PM Johnson https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-brexit-supremo-frost-resigns-blow-johnson-mail-sunday-2021-12-18/

The Independent, 20/12/2021: ‘Very clear’ Northern Ireland Protocol is working, Leo Varadkar says https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/leo-varadkar-northern-ireland-protocol-northern-ireland-lord-prime-minister-b1979620.html

Reuters, 10/05/2022: Germany's Scholz warns against unilateral breach of N. Ireland protocol https://www.reuters.com/article/germany-belgium-decroo-brexit-idUKKCN2MW19R

Reuters, 10/06/2022: Risking EU clash, Britain pushes post-Brexit Northern Ireland bill https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-present-post-brexit-nireland-legislation-monday-2022-06-10/

EurActiv, 13/06/2022: UK could face EU sanctions over new NI protocol bill https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/uk-could-face-eu-sanctions-over-new-ni-protocol-bill/

The Guardian, 13/06/2022: EU poised to take legal action against UK over Northern Ireland protocol bill https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/13/uk-risks-brexit-eu-trade-war-as-northern-ireland-protocol-bill-is-published

Reuters, 13/06/2022: The EU will not renegotiate the Northern Ireland protocol -Sefcovic https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-will-not-renegotiate-northern-ireland-protocol-sefcovic-2022-06-13/

Politico, 13/06/2022: UK vows to ‘remove’ EU court from Northern Ireland Brexit protocol https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-pledges-to-remove-eu-court-from-northern-ireland-brexit-protocol-is-there-a-direct/

Euronews, 13/06/2022: EU threatens legal action after UK unveils controversial law to override Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/06/13/uk-controversial-draft-law-would-bring-trivial-changes-to-n-ireland-protocol-boris-johnson

Reuters, 13/06/2022: Ireland says UK breach of Northern Ireland protocol 'very serious' https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/ireland-says-uk-breach-nireland-protocol-very-serious-2022-06-13/

Sky News, 15/06/2022: Brussels hands UK two-month court ultimatum after 'illegal' Northern Ireland Protocol move https://news.sky.com/story/eu-begins-legal-action-after-illegal-move-by-uk-to-override-northern-ireland-protocol-12634288

ITV News, 15/06/2022: EU launches legal action against UK over plan to 'illegally' change Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.itv.com/news/2022-06-15/this-is-illegal-eu-to-sue-uk-over-plan-to-change-northern-ireland-protocol

EurActiv, 15/06/2022: EU sues UK following ‘illegal’ Northern Ireland protocol law https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/eu-sues-uk-following-illegal-northern-ireland-protocol-law/

Politico, 15/06/2022: EU launches legal action over UK’s Northern Ireland Brexit bill https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-launches-legal-action-over-uks-breaches-of-post-brexit-northern-ireland-rules/

ITV News, 15/06/2022: EU claims counterfeit goods are being smuggled into single market via Northern Ireland https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2022-06-15/eu-claims-counterfeit-goods-are-smuggled-into-single-market-via-northern-ireland

RTÉ News, 06/07/2022: Protocol 'already at risk of being torn apart by the UK': Bek https://www.rte.ie/news/europe/2022/0706/1308761-northern-ireland-protocol/

Reuters, 22/07/2022: EU sues Britain again, saying Northern Ireland bill erodes trust https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/eu-launches-four-legal-procedures-against-uk-over-northern-ireland-2022-07-22/

Politico, 22/07/2022: EU threatens UK with new legal action over Northern Ireland Protocol Bill https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-intensifie-legal-threat-uk-northern-ireland-protocol-bill/

EurActiv, 22/07/2022: EU launches new legal moves against UK over Northern Ireland https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/eu-launches-new-legal-moves-against-uk-over-northern-ireland/

Euronews, 22/07/2022: Brussels launches new legal action against London over Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/07/22/brussels-launches-new-legal-action-against-london-over-northern-ireland-protocol

EurActiv, 22/09/2022: Truss sets April 2023 deadline for NI protocol settlement https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/truss-sets-april-2023-deadline-for-ni-protocol-settlement/

Reuters, 02/10/2022: UK sees improving 'mood music' on Northern Ireland protocol https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-sees-improving-mood-music-northern-ireland-protocol-2022-10-02/

Bloomberg, 03/10/2022: EU and UK Officials Offer Warm Words Ahead of Northern Ireland Protocol Talks https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-03/eu-and-uk-officials-offer-warm-words-ahead-of-northern-ireland-protocol-talks

The Guardian, 06/10/2022: Northern Ireland protocol ‘a little too strict’, says Leo Varadkar https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/oct/06/northern-ireland-protocol-a-little-too-strict-says-leo-varadkar

BBC News, 15/11/2022: NI Protocol: UK plays down imminent breakthrough https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63637377

CityAM, 14/12/2022: Brexit: UK and EU eye Northern Ireland Protocol deal by February https://www.cityam.com/brexit-uk-and-eu-eye-northern-ireland-protocol-deal-by-february/

Sky News, 22/12/2022: Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen promise to 'work together' to break Northern Ireland Protocol deadlock https://news.sky.com/story/rishi-sunak-and-ursula-von-der-leyen-promise-to-work-together-to-break-northern-ireland-protocol-deadlock-12773231

BBC News, 28/12/2022: NI Protocol: New port facilities needed for goods checks https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64112552

Politico, 03/01/2023: Irish PM: ‘Room for changes’ to Northern Ireland protocol https://www.politico.eu/article/ireland-pm-leo-varadkar-light-touch-trade-rules-for-northern-ireland-could-fix-mistakes-in-brexit-deal/

The Guardian, 03/01/2023: Brexit Northern Ireland protocol ‘perhaps a bit too strict’, says Varadkar https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/03/brexit-northern-ireland-protocol-too-strict-says-leo-varadkar

EurActiv, 04/01/2023: Northern Ireland Protocol perhaps ‘too strict’, says new Irish PM https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/northern-ireland-protocol-perhaps-too-strict-says-new-irish-pm/

Reuters, 05/01/2023: UK's Cleverly: Work is moving fast on Northern Ireland protocol https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/uks-cleverly-work-is-moving-fast-northern-ireland-protocol-2023-01-05/

The Guardian, 09/01/2023: NI protocol: UK and EU agree deal on trade data sharing https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/09/ni-protocol-uk-and-eu-agree-deal-on-trade-data-sharing

Sky News, 13/01/2023: Starmer says Labour will support Sunak over Northern Ireland Protocol https://news.sky.com/story/starmer-says-labour-will-support-sunak-over-northern-ireland-protocol-12785694

BBC News, 16/01/2023: NI Protocol: No breakthrough on deal after UK-EU talks https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64287405

Politico, 16/01/2023: No breakthrough yet — but EU and UK to keep talking on Northern Ireland Brexit rules https://www.politico.eu/article/european-union-united-kingdom-northern-ireland-brexit-fail-to-make-breakthrough-post-brexit-talks/

The Guardian, 16/01/2023: UK commits to further talks with EU to break Northern Ireland Brexit impasse https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/16/northern-ireland-brexit-eu-uk-talks

RTÉ News, 16/01/2023: EU and UK say protocol talks should continue in 'constructive' spirit https://www.rte.ie/news/brexit/2023/0116/1346886-ni-protocol/

ITV News, 16/01/2023: Northern Ireland Protocol ‘scoping work’ to continue amid UK-EU ‘gaps’ https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2023-01-16/search-continues-for-protocol-solutions-after-constructive-eu-talks

Bloomberg, 27/01/2023: UK and EU Nearing Provisional Brexit Deal in Northern Ireland Talks https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-27/uk-and-eu-brexit-talks-nearing-provisional-deal-on-northern-ireland-protocol

---

Commentary and Analysis

LSE: EUROPP Blog, 14/01/2021: Article 16 of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol offers no ‘quick fix’ https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2021/01/14/article-16-of-the-ireland-northern-ireland-protocol-offers-no-quick-fix/

The New Statesman, 03/02/2021: What is the solution to problems with the Northern Ireland protocol? https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-staggers/2021/02/what-solution-problems-northern-ireland-protocol

The Guardian: Editorial, 04/02/2021: The Guardian view on Northern Ireland and Brexit: stick with the protocol https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/feb/04/the-guardian-view-on-northern-ireland-and-brexit-stick-with-the-protocol

Euro|topics, February 2021: Row over customs checks: ire in Northern Ireland https://www.eurotopics.net/en/255688/

Robert Schuman Foundation: European Issues No 583, 08/02/2021: Brexit and the Irish Question https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/european-issues/0583-brexit-and-the-irish-question

Deutsche Welle, 10/02/2021: Northern Ireland: The Brexit problem that will not go away https://p.dw.com/p/3p7uF

LSE: Brexit Blog, 04/03/2021: Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol: the EU must play the long-game https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/brexit/2021/03/04/ireland-northern-ireland-protocol-the-eu-must-play-the-long-game/

Institute for Government: Blog, 05/03/2021: Cooperation not confrontation should be at the heart of UK–EU discussions on the protocol https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/blog/cooperation-northern-ireland-protocol

BBC News, 10/03/2021: Brexit: What will happen when EU-GB grace periods expire? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-56325881

The Economist: Explainer, 10/03/2021: Why is the Northern Ireland protocol so contentious? https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/03/10/why-is-the-northern-ireland-protocol-so-contentious

Institute for Government: Blog, 12/03/2021: Delaying Brexit border checks solves some problems but creates others https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/blog/delaying-brexit-border-checks

BBC News: Explainers, 15/03/2021: Brexit: What is the Northern Ireland Protocol and why are there checks? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-53724381

Social Europe, 29/03/2021: Why the protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland matters https://socialeurope.eu/why-the-protocol-on-ireland-northern-ireland-matters

Euro|topics, April 2021: After Brexit: hotspot Northern Ireland? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/259245/

The Economist, 19/06/2021: The quest for a more pragmatic Northern Ireland protocol https://www.economist.com/leaders/2021/06/19/the-quest-for-a-more-pragmatic-northern-ireland-protocol

Euronews, 29/06/2021: Northern Ireland: Who's right in the EU-UK dispute over the Brexit protocol? https://www.euronews.com/2021/06/29/northern-ireland-who-s-right-in-the-eu-uk-dispute-over-the-brexit-protocol

EPRS: Briefing, July 2021: EU-UK relations: Difficulties in implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2021)690712

The Conversation (UK), 29/07/2021: Northern Ireland protocol: here’s what a compromise between EU and UK could look like https://theconversation.com/northern-ireland-protocol-heres-what-a-compromise-between-eu-and-uk-could-look-like-165043

German Institute for International and Security Affairs: SWP Comment No 51, September 2021: A Shared Responsibility for Northern Ireland. Why the EU and the UK Should Work Together to Find Flexible Solutions after Brexit https://www.swp-berlin.org/en/publication/eu-after-the-brexit-a-shared-responsibility-for-northern-ireland

The Constitution Society: Blog, 21/09/2021: Northern Ireland: a constitutional exception and why it matters https://consoc.org.uk/northern-ireland-a-constitutional-exception-and-why-it-matters/

UK in a Changing Europe: Long Reads, 25/09/2021: The Protocol: ‘dynamic alignment’ in post-Brexit Northern Ireland https://ukandeu.ac.uk/long-read/the-protocol-post-brexit-northern-ireland/

The Constitution Society: Blog, 06/10/2021: The politics of the Northern Ireland Protocol https://consoc.org.uk/the-politics-of-the-northern-ireland-protocol/

Euro|topics, October 2021: Northern Ireland Protocol: what comes next? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/269562/

RTÉ News, 13/10/2021: NI Protocol - What is it and why is it so controversial? https://www.rte.ie/news/brexit/2021/1013/1253435-ni-protocol/

Dublin City University: Brexit Institute: Blog, 14/10/2021: Of No Deals, Deals and New Deals: The Commission’s proposal on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland https://dcubrexitinstitute.eu/2021/10/no-deal-new-deal-ni-protocol/

The New Statesman: The Explainer, 15/10/2021: What is the Northern Ireland protocol, and why does it matter? https://www.newstatesman.com/the-explainer/2021/10/what-is-the-northern-ireland-protocol-and-why-does-it-matter

LSE: EUROPP Blog, 15/10/2021: It’s time for Northern Ireland’s Unionist parties to decide what they actually want to achieve out of the Protocol renegotiation https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/ni-protocol-renegotiation/

Euro|topics, October 2021: Northern Ireland Protocol: London seeking confrontation https://www.eurotopics.net/en/269791/

Centre on Constitutional Change (CCC): Opinion, 19/10/2021: The Northern Ireland Protocol: make up or break down? https://www.centreonconstitutionalchange.ac.uk/news-and-opinion/northern-ireland-protocol-make-or-break-down

openDemocracy: Opinion, 19/10/2021: David Frost’s bluster can’t wish away the Northern Ireland protocol https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/opendemocracyuk/david-frosts-bluster-cant-wish-away-the-northern-ireland-protocol/

Carnegie Europe: Strategic Europe, 19/10/2021: Why Northern Ireland Matters for Europe https://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/85586

DLA Piper: Insights, 29/10/2021: Solutions to the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland trade https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2021/10/solutions-to-the-impact-of-brexit-on-northern-ireland-trade/

Encompass Europe: Commentary, November 2021: The Northern Ireland Protocol: is there another way? https://encompass-europe.com/comment/the-northern-ireland-protocol-is-there-another-way

Institute for Government (IfG): Explainers, 03/11/2021: Northern Ireland protocol: Article 16 https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/northern-ireland-protocol-article-16

The Conversation (UK), 10/11/2021: Trade war looms over article 16: the Northern Ireland protocol safeguard, explained https://theconversation.com/trade-war-looms-over-article-16-the-northern-ireland-protocol-safeguard-explained-171525

Euro|topics, November 2022: Will London suspend the Northern Ireland Protocol? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/271221/

Politico, 12/11/2021: What happens if the UK withdraws from Northern Ireland Brexit deal? https://www.politico.eu/article/what-happens-if-the-uk-suspends-northern-ireland-protocol-brexit-eu-uk/

Bloomberg, 12/11/2021: Why Northern Ireland Keeps U.K. and Europe at Odds https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-12/what-is-article-16-and-why-is-it-reviving-brexit-wars-quicktake

The Economist, 13/11/2021: The Northern Ireland protocol is under threat. Again https://www.economist.com/britain/2021/11/13/the-northern-ireland-protocol-is-under-threat-again

The Atlantic, 17/11/2021: An Unlikely Threat to the Western Alliance https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2021/11/uk-eu-northern-ireland/620716/

Amnesty International: Press Release, 19/11/2021: Northern Ireland: Triggering Article 16 puts Good Friday Agreement human rights guarantees at risk https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/northern-ireland-triggering-article-16-puts-good-friday-agreement-human-rights

UK Parliament: House of Commons Library: Research Briefing No 9330, 26/11/2021: Northern Ireland Protocol: Article 16 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9330/

Senedd Cymru: Research Article, 30/11/2021: Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol: Quick guide https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/article-16-of-the-northern-ireland-protocol-quick-guide/

The News Statesman: Spotlight, 02/12/2021: Polling on the protocol: Westminster is a long way from Northern Ireland https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/2021/12/polling-on-the-protocol-westminster-is-a-long-way-from-northern-ireland

UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 06/12/2021: Polling on the protocol: Westminster is a long way from Northern Ireland https://ukandeu.ac.uk/polling-on-the-protocol-ireland-northern-ireland-westminster/

London School of Economics (LSE): Politics & Policy Blog, 09/12/2021: The macroeconomic impacts of the new protocol on Northern Ireland and how they can be mitigated https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/macroeconomic-impacts-ni-protocol/

Foreign Policy, 22/12/2021: Renegotiation Isn’t Disaster in Northern Ireland https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/12/22/brexit-northern-ireland-david-frost/

The Economist, 18/05/2022: Britain and the EU head towards a showdown over the Northern Ireland protocol https://www.economist.com/britain/2022/05/18/britain-and-the-eu-head-towards-a-showdown-over-the-northern-ireland-protocol

European Policy Centre (EPC): Commentary, 18/05/2022: The Northern Ireland Protocol: Should the EU take a different approach? https://www.epc.eu/en/Publications/The-Northern-Ireland-Protocol-Should-the-EU-take-a-different-approach~4876c8

UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 24/05/2022: The Northern Ireland Protocol and Brexit: is there a better way? https://ukandeu.ac.uk/northern-ireland-protocol-brexit/

The Guardian, 13/06/2022: Northern Ireland protocol: how might EU respond to UK plans? https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/13/brexit-northern-ireland-protocol-how-might-eu-respond-to-uk-plans

UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 13/06/2022: Non-implementation has eroded trust https://ukandeu.ac.uk/non-implementation-has-eroded-trust/

Euro|topics, June 2022: Northern Ireland Protocol: London breaching agreement https://www.eurotopics.net/en/281760/

The Conversation (UK), 15/06/2022: EU taking legal action against UK over Northern Ireland protocol: how did we get here? https://theconversation.com/eu-taking-legal-action-against-uk-over-northern-ireland-protocol-how-did-we-get-here-184984

Deutsche Welle: Opinion, 15/06/2022: Northern Ireland Protocol — Boris Johnson gets out the chainsaw https://p.dw.com/p/4Ckum

EurActiv, 22/07/2022: What do the Tory two mean for EU-UK relations? https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/news/what-do-the-tory-two-mean-for-eu-uk-relations/

The Spectator, 30/08/2022: The minister trying to fix the Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-northern-ireland-protocol-won-t-wait-for-a-new-pm/

Centre for European Reform (CER): Policy Brief, 08/09/2022: How to fix the Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.cer.eu/publications/archive/policy-brief/2022/how-fix-northern-ireland-protocol

Dublin City University (DCU): Brexit Institute: Event, 16/09/2022: The Future of the Northern Ireland Protocol and EU-UK Relations After Boris Johnson https://dcubrexitinstitute.eu/2022/09/the-future-of-northern-ireland-protocol-and-eu-uk-after-boris/

Politico: Opinion, 29/09/2022: Desperately seeking a solution to the Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.politico.eu/article/desperately-seeking-a-solution-to-the-northern-ireland-protocol/

Institute for Government: Comment, 11/10/2022: Three steps the Truss government can take for a Northern Ireland protocol deal https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/truss-government-northern-ireland-protocol

Centre for Policy Studies: CapX, 08/12/2022: Isn’t the Northern Ireland Protocol ironic, don’t you think? https://capx.co/isnt-the-northern-ireland-protocol-ironic-dont-you-think/

openDemocracy: Opinion, 13/01/2023: How a farcical new report on Northern Ireland Protocol poses a real threat https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/northern-ireland-protocol-uk-eu-good-friday-agreement-danger-centre-for-union-report/

Euro|topics, January 2023: New hope for the Northern Ireland Protocol? https://www.eurotopics.net/en/294813/

BBC News, 15/01/2023: Brexit: Can better UK-EU relations lead to NI Protocol deal? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64268451

Elcano Royal Institute: Analysis, 23/01/2023: The Northern Ireland Protocol https://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/en/analyses/the-northern-ireland-protocol/

openDemocracy: News, 23/01/2023: EU is urged: No deals with UK unless right to strike is protected https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/minimum-service-bill-epsu-meps-right-to-strike-eu-deal/

The Guardian: Explainer, 23/01/2023: Can DUP be brought in from the cold to end Northern Ireland protocol row? https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/23/northern-ireland-protocol-dup-erg-brexit

Politico, 26/01/2023: Rishi Sunak walks Brexit tightrope as protocol deal nears https://www.politico.eu/article/rishi-sunak-tory-support-eu-brexit-northern-ireland-protocol/

UK in a Changing Europe: Commentary, 27/01/2023: Future-proofing a UK-EU deal for Northern Ireland must begin now https://ukandeu.ac.uk/future-proofing-a-uk-eu-deal-for-northern-ireland-must-begin-now/

---