The Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework as Parts of the Withdrawal Agreement of Brexit

Abstract

The article discusses trade issues between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, since the UK is now a member-state of the European Union. The main documents and main aspects have been analyzed, and the key items have been fully investigated. In order to address the particular circumstances on the island of Ireland, to maintain the prerequisites for continued North-South cooperation, to avoid a hard border, and to protect the 1998 Agreement in all its dimensions, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland was created. Additionally, it seeks to defend the EU single market. While applying the EU Customs Code, Northern Ireland is nonetheless included in the UK’s customs territory. Norther Ireland continues to participate in the EU single market and follows all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the area is still a part of the Single Electricity Market. There is still a Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland.