The Windsor Framework

The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland is an integral part of the 2020 EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and was designed to avoid the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland. Implementation of the Protocol has been marred by rising tensions and political challenges, and both parties, particularly since Rishi Sunak became UK Prime Minister, have sought to address the main problems. The new agreement, called the Windsor Framework, seeks to improve the trading rules for Northern Ireland, bring stability and clarity for businesses and people in the region, and open a new chapter in EU-UK relations.