BBC NI economics and business editor
UK-EU Summit: A New Hope for the Irish Sea Border
The upcoming UK-EU summit is poised to be a significant turning point in addressing the challenges presented by the **Irish Sea border**. With both parties eager to redefine their post-Brexit relationship, this summit could lead to a historic agreement aimed at **reducing the impact of border checks** on trade.
A Reset in Relations
The UK is actively seeking to reshape its relationship with the European Union after enduring years of tension. This Monday’s summit is expected to initiate an **”agreement to agree”** on a range of trade issues, particularly concerning the **food and agricultural sectors**. If a full agri-food deal materializes later this year, it could drastically minimize the need for checks and controls on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
What Could Change?
The potential outcome of such a deal could herald the end of the cumbersome **’Not for EU’ labels** and significantly reduce physical checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea. This shift is imperative for businesses affected by the current regulations that have hamstrung trade and supply in the region.
Voices from the Ground
Local businesses, such as Arcadia Deli in Belfast, are feeling the urgency for a reset. Co-owner **Laura Graham-Brown** has expressed her frustration: “Our partners in England have decided they are not supplying Northern Ireland until further notice… it is starting to tell on our counter as it becomes increasingly empty.” She emphasized the desperate need for change, stating, **”All we want to do is sell cheese and olives.”**
With so many businesses struggling under the current guidelines, there’s a palpable demand for immediate action to improve the trade environment.
The Stance of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
Organizational leaders are also weighing in. **Stuart Anderson** from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce noted that companies would require time to analyze any new agreement. He stated, “**NI Chamber has been calling on the UK government to reach an agreement that is ambitious enough to substantially reduce bureaucracy** for all operators in our agri-food supply chain.”
The Polling Landscape
A recent poll from Queen’s University Belfast indicates a decline in unionist support for Northern Ireland’s current Brexit framework, particularly the **Windsor Framework**. Professor **David Phinnemore** highlighted that support among unionists has significantly decreased from 51% to 26% over the last year. This trend emphasizes the urgency for the UK-EU negotiations to deliver tangible benefits.
What is the Irish Sea Border?
The **Irish Sea border** was established due to the Brexit deal negotiated in 2019. It mandates that Northern Ireland adhere to many EU regulations to maintain an open border with the Republic of Ireland. As a result, goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland are subjected to checks that some deem necessary, while others see as a violation of Northern Ireland’s status within the UK.
The Potential Impact of an Agri-Food Deal
Agri-food deals with the EU fall into two main categories: **New Zealand-style** or **Swiss-style** agreements. A **New Zealand-style deal** recognizes mutual food standards, thereby reducing the frequency of necessary checks, while a **Swiss-style deal** eliminates rollbacks on customs entirely but requires adherence to EU regulations.
Should the UK gravitate towards a Swiss-style agreement, it would, in theory, dismantle many of the barriers currently obstructing goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However, this approach could face opposition from those within the UK who favor maintaining sovereignty over regulatory standards.
Remaining Challenges
There are two key borders in this dynamic: product standards and customs declarations. While an agri-food deal could substantially diminish the standards border, it would likely leave the customs procedures intact. Businesses in Great Britain would still grapple with customs declarations for goods shipped to Northern Ireland, potentially causing delays.
As this summit approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiations and the possible outcomes that could bring a much-needed reset to UK-EU relations and provide relief to businesses struggling under the current system.
