Northern Ireland Protocol

The Northern Ireland Protocol is an agreement designed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and Ireland (an EU member). It keeps Northern Ireland aligned with some EU rules on goods to avoid customs checks at the border, ensuring free movement of goods and avoiding disruptions. However, it also creates a regulatory border in the Irish Sea, between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, which has caused political and logistical challenges. The protocol aims to balance maintaining economic stability and peace while respecting the Good Friday Agreement.