EU and UK agree in principle on Windsor Framework
Key Development
President von der Leyen said the EU and UK have reached an agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework, which lays down new arrangements for the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland and aims to provide long‑lasting solutions for people and businesses in Northern Ireland.
Why It Matters
The Framework is designed to address everyday issues raised by people in Northern Ireland and includes measures to ensure the same food will be available on supermarket shelves there as in the rest of the UK and that all medicines, including novel ones, will be available at the same time and under the same conditions as in the rest of the UK. It includes safeguards such as IT access, labels and enforcement procedures to protect the integrity of the European Union's Single Market while respecting both parties' markets and legitimate interests and to protect the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
Next Step
The new Framework will allow the EU and UK to begin a new chapter in their partnership.
Sources
Official Documents
- Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Sunak EU and UK leaders announced an agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework addressing the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, with safeguards for the EU Single Market and market access in Northern Ireland.
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