The Windsor Framework is a major step to opening a new chapter in EU-UK relations

Written by David McAllister MEP, Vice Chairman of the International Democrat Union and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament

Over the past two years, relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union were strained by challenges that have emerged in the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. On February 27th, following months of intense talks, the “Windsor Framework” was signed between the United Kingdom and the European Union. I congratulate European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU Germany) and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Conservative Party). This agreement presents a pragmatic compromise that should – if implemented properly – satisfy the demands of all sides.

At its core is a model with “red and green lanes” for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Only goods destined for Ireland and thus for the EU’s Single Market will be checked by customs in Northern Irish ports – the “red lane”. All goods that remain in Northern Ireland are to be processed by express in the “green lane”. Both sides have been in broad agreement on this concept for some time. However, earlier proposals for a “green lane” focused primarily on reducing the amount of information required in customs forms, rather than reducing the absolute number of customs forms all together.

In order to maintain the integrity of the European Single Market despite accelerated clearance, the concept of “green lanes” is complemented by the exchange of data in real time. The UK has agreed to share information on the flow of goods shipped from Great Britain across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland.

Apart from customs controls, the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) was the main point of contention during the talks. The interests of London and Brussels seemed irreconcilable for a long time. A compromise was tough to work out. In the end, the ECJ remains the final arbiter, but will only be called upon once the route via all other fora foreseen in the Withdrawal Agreement have been exhausted.

Overall, the compromise reached is pragmatic and offers reason to hope that the perennial debate can now finally be put to rest. I welcome the announcement of the UK government that it will halt the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill with which the UK could have unilaterally decided to override the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. If Prime Minister Sunak’s intentions are genuine and he is able to mobilize a majority for this solution, the Protocol Bill will be dropped at the end of the British legislative cycle.

Particularly at a time of serious geopolitical challenges, stable and trustful cooperation is crucial. There is more that unites than divides us across the English Channel. The “Windsor Framework” shows that practical solutions to the challenges in the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland can be found and that stability and predictability for people and businesses in Northern Ireland is possible, all while maintaining the integrity of the EU’s Single Market. It marks a long-awaited step in the right direction, which should allow the United Kingdom and the European Union to open a new chapter in their relations.

It is now key that we walk the talk and implement the solutions reached on paper. In the European Parliament, we will deliver on the legislative steps as soon as possible.