Understanding the Windsor framework

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated03/03/2023

The UK and the European Union negotiated a deal on February 27 regarding post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland.
The Windsor framework is an attempt to address the political complexities that have impacted trade and sentiments in the region.

The Windsor framework aims to resolve the disruptions in trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The Windsor framework allows for free trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland with the use of green and red lanes for goods flowing into Northern Ireland.
Green lane goods under the framework will have fewer checks and controls, including no customs checks or rules of origin.
Red lane goods under the framework will be subjected to checks and controls in order to preserve the EU’s single market.
Further, with a view to ease the impact on farmers, agri-products like meat and dairy will have reduced checks and controls, and food retailers such as supermarkets, wholesalers, and caterers, will be allowed to move agri-food through the green lane.
Additionally, the ban on a few chilled types of meats from Great Britain being sold in Northern Ireland will be lifted.

The UK and EU officials believe that the latest framework would ensure greater availability of British goods such as food and medicines in Northern Ireland markets.
The Windsor framework would also play a key role in safeguarding the position of Northern Ireland within the UK and restoring its people’s sovereignty.
However, there have been objections to the new framework centred around the “Stormont brake”.
Stormont brake is an emergency measure that allows Northern Ireland’s devolved government to halt new EU norms from being imposed and a measure that London retains the right to veto.
Further, it is to be seen if the EU rules will be accepted in Northern Ireland as this depends on the balance of power between the Unionists and Republicans in the province.