U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the United Kingdom and European Union for reaching the "Windsor Framework," a set of policies introduced as a "fresh approach to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland."
The framework retains an "unwavering dedication" to the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement - which ended most of the violence that roiled Northern Ireland for decades - and provides "enduring assurance and foresight for individuals and enterprises in Northern Ireland," according to an EU fact sheet. Additionally, it aims to uphold the integrity of both the EU and UK internal markets.
“We congratulate the UK and EU on their announcement of the Windsor Framework. Northern Ireland will benefit from the opportunity, certainty and stability brought about by the agreement,” Blinken stated in a post on Twitter.
The framework includes definitive solutions for goods moved from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, trusted trader schemes and simplified procedures for pet travel and parcels, the fact sheet reported. Clarifications have been made on state aid, and there are solutions on tariff rate quotas.
The framework also enhances flexibility and cooperation between the EU and the UK, according to the fact sheet. There will be regular engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders, and a special body on goods will assess future UK legislation's potential impact on goods for Northern Ireland.
“Today’s agreement is written in the language of laws and treaties. But really, it’s about much more than that,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a UK government news release. “It’s about stability in Northern Ireland. It’s about real people and real businesses. It’s about showing that our Union, that has lasted for centuries, can and will endure. And it’s about breaking down the barriers between us. Setting aside the arguments that have for too long, divided us. And remembering the fellow feeling that defines us: This family of nations – this United Kingdom.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he shared the hope the announcement will enable the EU and the UK to open a new chapter in their relationship, according to an Irish government news release.
“The EU and the UK are natural partners in addressing the global challenges we face, whether supporting Ukraine or addressing climate change. It is in Ireland’s interests that the EU and the UK have a positive, forward-looking relationship,” Martin said in the release.
