UKPOL.CO.UK

Category: European Union

  • Ursula von der Leyen – 2026 Speech to New Year’s Reception of the Presidents of the Commission and the European Council

    Ursula von der Leyen – 2026 Speech to New Year’s Reception of the Presidents of the Commission and the European Council

    The speech made by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on 14 January 2026.

    Thank you, dear Antonio, for sharing your ‘home’ with us.

    Dear Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the European Institutions,

    Dear President of the Belgian Senate,

    Dear Ministers,

    Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

    Excellencies,

    Dear Ambassadors,

    Dear Directors-General,

    Dear colleagues and friends,

    And dear students of the European School,

    Happy 2026 from me and the whole College. Let me start by saying how much I cherish this tradition. It is so nice to come together for a toast and to listen to the music of the European School, before we dive in the difficult business of the year ahead. Because it will be another challenging year, and these first two weeks are proof of that. Every day, new events unfold that could reshape our world for generations, from Greenland to Iran. And of course, this can feel unsettling. But I think we, Europeans, have a very clear mission ahead of us. A goal that shall drive us in everything we do and give us a clear sense of direction in an unpredictable world. I am talking about the mission of an independent Europe. Different people may have different views about what this means. But to me, it boils down to something quite simple – that is having the freedom and the power to shape our own future. Today, I would like to briefly touch upon three ways we can do so.

    Starting with peace and security in our continent. Less than one month ago, dear António, we agreed to jointly raise EUR 90 billion for Ukraine. To put it simply – our Union will support most of Ukraine’s needs, including military, for the next two years. Four years ago, when Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, no one believed that Ukraine would survive, and that Europe would stand ironclad by Ukraine’s side. And even more, that there would be a Coalition of the Willing agreeing to robust security guarantees. And on the broader topic of European defence, we have done more in the past year than in the past decade. This work must and will continue in the year ahead. And the message is clear: Peace and security in Europe depend first and foremost on us, and we are taking full responsibility for it.

    Second, on prosperity and competitiveness. 2025 was a year of export controls and tariffs. So it is clear that we must drastically cut our dependencies. But we must also make much better use of the power that comes from our massive Single Market. For instance, we are building a deep and liquid capital market, with the Savings and Investment Union, so that companies can access the capital they need here at home. And we will soon propose the so-called 28th regime, so that businesses can operate under a single set of rules across our Union. We want our companies to find the best conditions to grow right here in Europe. This is also what it means to be more independent.

    But independence is not isolation. A more independent Europe can only be built on an even broader network of partnerships – with old and new friends. Mercosur and Europe have chosen a common path. We have chosen trade over tariffs, partnership over polarisation. With the Mercosur agreement, we are building a market worth almost 20% of the global GDP. With 31 countries and over 700 million people, we are sending a message of cooperation to the world. And a message of stability to our people and our businesses.

    Dear Ambassadors,

    We are at work with many of you, to renew and expand our partnerships. We hope to conclude our negotiations with India and Australia. Next in line are the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, and more. Europe is open-minded for business. So let us keep the conversations going.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I want to conclude with the words of the great Austrian poet Rilke. He wrote: ‘And now, let us believe in the long year that has been given to us. New, untouched, full of things that have never been.’ This is my wish to all of us for the new Year. May we be able to build things that have never been and achieve what just yesterday seemed impossible.

    Thank you, and long live Europe.

  • Ursula von der Leyen – 2026 Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency

    Ursula von der Leyen – 2026 Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency

    The speech made by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on 9 January 2026.

    Dear President Christodoulides, dear Nikos,

    Dear President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr,

    Dear President Sandu, dear Maia,

    Dear President Rashid,

    Dear President Aoun,

    Dear President Costa, dear António,

    Dear Deputy Minister Raouna, dear Marilena,

    Your Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,  

    It is a pleasure to be back in Cyprus. A country blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. A land of remarkable beauty, fitting for the birthplace of Aphrodite. Today, you are a proud European country with a thriving economy, and a society looking firmly to the future. We see that here in Nicosia, one of Europe’s fastest-growing centres for tech start-ups. Here, AI innovators are building the technologies of tomorrow, in the shadow of Byzantine churches. Cyprus captures what is best about Europe, our ability to combine tradition with innovation and to draw strength from our history as we shape the future. It is a fitting place to begin this new Presidency.

    Dear Nikos,

    You said recently that Cyprus is committed to a Europe that is ‘United in purpose and grounded in solidarity.’ Those words ring so true. We see it in the leadership Cyprus has shown across this region. I saw it first-hand with you, dear Nikos, during our visit to the port of Larnaca, witnessing Cyprus’s vital role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. We see it in the bravery of Cypriot firefighters, literally running towards the flames to save lives and homes. And with the creation of a regional firefighting hub, Cyprus will play an even larger role in the years ahead. We see it in your experience as a frontline Member State. And we see it clearly in the central priority of your Presidency – to build a more secure and more independent Europe.

    That responsibility begins in Ukraine. Because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. Together, we will work to deliver a just and lasting peace. And yesterday’s meeting in Paris was a very significant step in this direction. And we will continue to advance Ukraine’s and Moldova’s path towards our European Union – because a free and prosperous Ukraine and a united and prosperous Moldova belong in the EU.

    We also know that only a more competitive Union can be a more independent Union. And I look forward to working with you to deliver that competitiveness. By cutting the unnecessary red tape that holds our businesses back. By completing our Single Market and bringing down barriers between our economies. And by advancing our Savings and Investment Union, to unlock the investment needed to finance Europe’s future. This Presidency marks a new moment of responsibility for Cyprus. And I have no doubt that you will once again rise to the challenge.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    We meet in a country where the promise of reunification awaits to be fulfilled. Few places in the European Union understand as clearly what it means to live with the consequences of division – and, at the same time, to refuse to let division define the future. That is why it is so fitting that Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency at this moment. The European Union itself was born from conflict. Our Union is not perfect, but it is a promise: that cooperation is stronger than confrontation, that law is stronger than force. Principles that apply not only to our European Union, but equally to Greenland. Cyprus brings to its Presidency a unique moral authority. As a country at the crossroads of continents, cultures, and crises, Cyprus understands the strategic importance of peace and stability in our neighbourhood; the urgency of security in an uncertain world; and the enduring value of international law.

    For the European Union, a comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement for Cyprus remains an absolute priority. That is why I appointed former Commissioner Johannes Hahn as EU Envoy for Cyprus. And it is why we will do all we can to ensure that the UN-led process succeeds, so that 2026 can bring renewed momentum towards a reunified Cyprus.

    Dear friends,

    It was on this island that Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, was born. A philosophy grounded in wisdom, justice, and courage. Stoicism teaches us not to fear challenges, but to meet them with clarity and resolve. To turn challenge into opportunity. To turn adversity into strength. That is what Cyprus has done, time and again, throughout the ages. And it is what Europe must do now, together. I look forward to working closely with you in the months ahead.

    Congratulations to the Cypriot Council Presidency.

    Thank you. And long live Europe.

  • European Commission – 2026 Statement on Iran

    European Commission – 2026 Statement on Iran

    The statement made by the European Commission on 3 January 2026.

    We follow closely the unfolding situation across Iran, with demonstrations reflecting the demands of many Iranians. We are concerned by the reported deaths and injuries and urge Iran’s security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling peaceful protests. Socio-economic challenges were acknowledged by authorities and should be addressed through inclusive dialogue, not through violence.

    We call on Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and to enable the free flow of information and access to the internet. All individuals arrested for peacefully exercising their rights should be immediately released.

  • Ursula von der Leyen – 2025 Speech at the European Council Press Conference

    Ursula von der Leyen – 2025 Speech at the European Council Press Conference

    The speech made by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on 19 December 2025.

    Good evening.

    We all share one clear goal.

    A just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

    So we gathered with a clear objective:

    To address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs for the next two years.

    And I am very pleased to say: we made it.

    We have secured an agreement to deliver on the financing needs for Ukraine for the next two years.

    As you know the Commission had proposed two solutions.

    Both legally sound.

    Both technically feasible.

    On the one hand, we proposed EU borrowing on the market.

    And on the other hand, we have developed the Reparations Loan.

    Last week already, we sent a clear and strong political message by immobilising Russian assets in the EU over the long term.

    And building on that, we agreed to find a solution for the financing of Ukraine for the next two years.

    Member States have agreed to finance Ukraine through EU borrowing on the capital markets.

    For an amount of EUR 90 billion for the next two years. 

    We will do this by way of enhanced cooperation that is backed by the EU budget headroom.

    And based on a unanimous agreement to amend the MFF.

    Similarly to the Reparations Loan, very important, Ukraine would only need to pay back the loan once it receives reparations.

    Until then, the assets will remain immobilised.

    And the Union reserves its right to make use of the cash balances to finance the loan.

    This is the solution we found together.

    And as discussed in the last weeks, financing Ukraine beyond 2027 will be part of the next MFF discussion.

    The EU’s next budget was also on the agenda.

    The Danish Presidency has done a remarkable work.

    Today, it was mostly about architecture and calendar.

    We need a budget that is faster, simpler and more flexible.

    A budget that will ensure Europe’s capacity to meet the demands of a world of crises as demonstrated again today for the financing of Ukraine.

    Finally, we agreed on the sense of urgency, and the intense work ahead with the Cypriot Presidency.

    We then moved on to the discussion on geoeconomics, including on the Mercosur agreement.

    This evening, we have achieved a breakthrough to pave the way for a successful completion of the agreement in January.

    We need a few extra weeks to address some issues with Member States.

    We have reached out to our Mercosur partners and agreed to postpone slightly the signature.

    This deal is of crucial importance for Europe – economically, diplomatically and geopolitically.

    It opens new trade and economic opportunities for all our Member States.

    With additional checks and safeguards, we have built in all necessary protections for our farmers and our consumers.

    In a year dominated by news of rising tariffs and new trade restrictions, the positive impact of this pact matters – not just for our two regions, but for the global economy.

    Finally, Mette, I want to praise the Danish Presidency.

    In just six months, you delivered impressive results.

    41 files were concluded and negotiating mandates secured on 17 more.

    You ensured the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, with the adoption of the 18th and 19th sanctions packages.

    As well as the swift agreement on the immobilisation of the Russian assets last week.

    Together we made history with the agreement on REPowerEU – our roadmap to full energy independence from Russia. And with the 2040 Climate target.

    Thanks to your work on migration, we were able to effectively kick-start the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

    Notably with the progress on the Return and Safe countries of origin legislation – just agreed.

    You also strengthened Europe’s defence by securing a much awaited agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme, EDIP, and the Defence Omnibus.

    And you made significant progress on simplification, with agreement on several omnibuses, making life easier for companies across Europe.

    Last but not least, you successfully steered the initial work on the next EU budget.

    So you laid a very solid foundation for the presidencies to come.

    These achievements speak volumes about your leadership and commitment to the European project.

    Many thanks for that.

  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments at Business Reception in Downing Street

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Comments at Business Reception in Downing Street

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, in Downing Street on 19 May 2025.

    Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

    Commissioner Sefcovic.

    It’s fantastic to welcome you all to mark the strategic partnership that we have agreed today with the EU.

    Trade deals are much talked about.

    People tried for a long time to get a trade deal with India, and it didn’t happen for eight years. We came along and did that deal with India.

    People tried and talked about a deal with the US, we came along and did that deal with the US.

    Nobody believed we could do a better deal with the EU, and we’ve just done a better deal with the EU.

    I always said, I’m not particularly keen on the performance side of politics. I think it’s the delivery that matters.

    And this has happened because of the serious, pragmatic way that we’ve gone around our negotiations, and when I met Ursula and Antonio at the beginning of the exercise, we committed to each other that we wouldn’t do it by megaphone diplomacy.

    We would do the hard yards of real diplomacy and negotiation, and that’s the base on which we got this deal today.

    And so, in the space of just under two weeks, three trade deals.

    That tells you something about serious pragmatism.

    It tells you something about our commitment to growth, but it also tells you something about the country, because others only want to do trade deals with businesses and economies that they want to tie themselves to going forward.

    It reflects the strength of all those that are represented here and many, many others, because we have dramatically improved our trading ties with the largest economy in the world, the US, the fastest growing economy in the world, India, and the largest trading bloc in the world, the EU.

    And that is, as I say, a vote of confidence in this country.

    We’re living in a different world. It’s a different era, and notwithstanding that instability, that uncertainty, the decisions that we’ve taken to stabilize the economy and lead the way internationally have made Britain a place that people want to do business with once again.

    And I’m really proud to be leading a government and a country where others are telling me that they’re very pleased to see the UK back leading on the world stage, whether it’s defense and security, whether it’s trade or the economy or many of the other global issues that face us.

    And to underline that Britain is a place where people want to do business. Once again,  I’m delighted that we’re announcing major new European investments into Britain today.

    Rheinmetall investing £60 million in Telford.

    Knauf Insulation…

    Investing £170 million in North Wales.

    And NewCold investing £235 million in Corby.

    Together, creating hundreds of new jobs across the UK.

    We also have news today of great British companies – like Octopus energy – expanding in Europe.

    So I want to say a huge thank you to everyone here…

    For backing Britain.

    And let’s just take a closer look at the deal we’ve struck today.

    It gives us unprecedented access to the EU market –

    The best of any country outside the EU or EFTA.

    All while sticking to our red lines.

    It’s good for bills, good for jobs, good for borders…

    Good for businesses large and small.

    By 2040 it will increase Britain’s GDP by around £9 billion.

    Our SPS agreement will make food and agriculture trade cheaper and easier…

    Cutting admin costs that can reach thousands for a single lorry…

    Opening up EU markets for British food exporters…

    Lifting the de facto ban on British burgers, bangers and shellfish…

    And bringing down prices for British consumers.

    Our new Defence and Security Partnership…

    Will strengthen our security…

    And open the door to working with the EU’s new defence fund –

    Boosting Britain’s defence industry.

    By increasing our co-operation on emissions trading…

    We’re saving UK businesses…

    From having to pay £800 million in EU carbon taxes.

    By increasing cooperation on energy…

    We’re bringing down bills over the long term,

    And boosting our renewables industry in the North Sea.

    The deal also protects our steel exports from new EU tariffs,

    Saving the industry £25 million each year.

    And it puts the fishing industry on a stable footing…

    Protecting our access, rights and fishing areas…

    With no increase in the amount that EU vessels can catch in our waters.

    And our fishing industry will also benefit from that new SPS agreement, slashing costs and red tape.

    So this a new deal for a new era…

    One that will bring huge benefits to the British people.

    And by the way –

    For business travellers – and tourists –

    We confirmed today…

    That you’ll be able be able to use e-Gates in Europe –

    Ending those huge queues at passport control.

    That really is something to celebrate!

    You know, when I became Prime Minister…

    Almost a year ago…

    I said I would deliver in the national interest.

    And I think we’ve shown today, once again –

    That I meant it.

    So thank for you for your support –

    Now let’s build on this progress…

    Let’s keep showing that Britain is open for business…

    And working with all our partners –

    To deliver for the British people.

    Thank you all.

  • Ursula von der Leyen – 2025 Statement on US Tariffs

    Ursula von der Leyen – 2025 Statement on US Tariffs

    The statement made by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on 10 April 2025.

    I welcome President Trump’s announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs. It’s an important step towards stabilising the global economy.

    Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function.

    Tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers. That’s why I’ve consistently advocated for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the European Union and the United States.

    The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade.

    At the same time, Europe continues to focus on diversifying its trade partnerships, engaging with countries that account for 87% of global trade and share our commitment to a free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas.

    Finally, we are stepping up our work to lift barriers in our own single market. This crisis has made one thing clear: in times of uncertainty, the single market is our anchor of stability and resilience.

    My team and I will continue to work day and night to protect European consumers, workers and businesses. Together, Europeans will emerge stronger from this crisis.

  • Stephen Doughty – 2025 Speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum

    Stephen Doughty – 2025 Speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum

    The speech made by Stephen Doughty, the Minister for Europe, in Antalya on 12 April 2025.

    The principles are fundamental, and they are what is at stake here. And as Andrea said, this is not just a situation where we see a complete violation of those principles that were in the Helsinki Final Act, that we all stood by, and we have stood by for those 50 years. But it’s also the UN Charter that is fundamentally under threat by Russia’s aggression.

    And of course, this isn’t just the aggression we’ve seen against Ukraine. It’s the other hybrid and destabilizing activities that they prosecute across our continents against our democracies more generally, and whether that’s disruptions, attempted disruptions, in the Western Balkans or in Moldova or elsewhere.

    This has consequences for all of us, and this matters for everybody in this room. It matters for everybody in the room if those principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty are not abided by, and it matters deeply for all of our people. Most importantly for the people of Ukraine at the moment, but for all of us.

    I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago, and I could hear in the background the alarm going off there. For Ukrainians in the room, this would probably be the air raid alarm on their on their phones, because Ukraine is seeing that escalation every night, civilians being attacked and killed.

    I was in Bucha, which saw some of the worst, appalling atrocities that we’ve seen since the start of this conflict, and seeing those mass graves and others, but also hearing about how just the night before, how drones have come and killed civilians, and how children and others have been taken away and still no idea where those where those young people and those civilians are. That is a brutal attack on the values that all of us in this room stand for. So I think we must absolutely recognize what’s at stake here.

    That’s why we as the UK are 100% ironclad in our support behind Ukraine, not just for now, but for 100 years into the future. It’s why we’re working with our NATO partners and allies here. And it’s a genuine pleasure to be with friends – it’s a genuine pleasure to be here in Antalya and to be hosted by our Turkish allies and friends. And it’s why we must double down, not only on the support for Ukraine, but also for European, Euro-Atlantic security more generally – that’s what we’re doing.

    That’s the leadership the Prime Minister and President Macron are showing, working with President Trump on that secure and sustainable peace for Ukraine. Which Ukraine again has come forward from, and yet we do not see that same response from Moscow. And President Erdoğan very clearly set out yesterday the importance that that peace has to be sustainable. And that’s going to come through those of us who are willing to get in there, to put boots on the ground, to get the support to ensure that Ukrainian forces are able to defend, deter against future aggression. But also that we as NATO partners are stepping up, particularly European partners here, for our own defence.

    That is what we’re doing with our spending. That’s what we’re doing with our commitments. But this matters not just for us. It matters for the globe. It matters for us in this room, because these are fundamental principles that have been attacked here by Moscow.

  • Rishi Sunak – 2023 Opening Remarks at the Opening Session of the Council of Europe

    Rishi Sunak – 2023 Opening Remarks at the Opening Session of the Council of Europe

    The opening remarks made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, in Iceland on 16 May 2023.

    Addressing a huge crowd on the streets of Strasbourg in 1949 Winston Churchill, one of the founding fathers of this Council spoke about “le génie de l’Europe.” [the genius of Europe]

    He was talking about what makes our continent so successful, the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

    The same spirit we’ve seen again and again that led Vaclav Havel to broadcast his messages of freedom during the suppression of the Prague Spring, that brought down the Berlin Wall and that leads Ukraine to defend its sovereignty with such valour, inspiring us to stand with them all.

    The Council of Europe has nurtured that spirit for three quarters of a century.

    And it must do so again now.

    Because today, we are facing the greatest threat to democracy and the rule of law on our continent since before the Treaty of London was signed.

    With Russia waging a war of aggression on European soil, and China growing in assertiveness the world is becoming more contested and more volatile.

    The challenge to our values is growing.

    And the moment to push back is now.

    Democracies like ours must build resilience so that we can out-cooperate and out-compete those who drive instability.

    That’s why we’re working so closely with our friends across Europe through the G7, NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force, the European Political Community and with a welcome new tone in our relations with the European Union.

    Friends, the UK may have left the EU, but we have not left Europe.

    We remain a proud European nation.

    And we must work together to defend the values we all hold so dear.

    The Council of Europe, with its huge reach, has such a vital role to play.

    And we need to think about how this Council should react to the realities of today.

    We showed great purpose in expelling Russia last year – acting decisively together within days of the invasion.

    Let’s bring that dynamism to the issues before us now. And let’s send a message from this hall, loud and clear that we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    We will hold Russia accountable for the horrendous war crimes that have been committed.

    And we must also learn the lesson of this war – by being prepared to confront threats to our societies before they become too big to deal with.

    That includes acting on cyber security and AI and it means tackling illegal migration.

    The moral case for action is clear.

    We can’t just sit back and watch as criminal gangs profiteer on people’s misery.

    Illegal migration exploits the most vulnerable. It risks crowding out those with a genuine case for asylum. And it strains the trust that our citizens have – not just in our domestic borders, but in the international system.

    That’s why so many of us are already acting at the national level. And why we need to do more to cooperate across borders and across jurisdictions and to end illegal migration and stop the boats.

    The Council already plays a vital role but I urge leaders to consider how we can go further.

    Because we know what we can achieve together. Just look at this Council’s extraordinary legacy: protecting human rights, abolishing the death penalty in Europe, supporting media freedom and championing democracy across Central and Eastern Europe after the Cold War.

    So let’s take heart from that, and keep rising to the many challenges before us, true to our enduring values and certain that, as Churchill went on tell the Strasbourg crowd, the dangers before us are great… but great too is our strength.

    Thank you.

  • Ursula von der Leyen – 2023 Statement at the Joint Press Conference with UK Prime Minister Sunak

    Ursula von der Leyen – 2023 Statement at the Joint Press Conference with UK Prime Minister Sunak

    The statement made by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, on 27 February 2023.

    Good afternoon Prime Minister, dear Rishi,

    It is an honour and a pleasure to be here in Windsor with you. And it is with a great sense of satisfaction that we stand here together. We are about to deliver on an important commitment we made to each other a few months ago. I remember our first discussions, when we saw eye-to-eye on how to support our Ukrainian friends. And I was encouraged by our trustful and strong cooperation on this crucial geostrategic issue. But I also remember how the two of us were honest with each other about the difficulties in our bilateral relationship. It was vital to put that on the right footing too.

    We committed to working hard together to do so. We knew that for us to be able to make the most of the potential of our partnership, solutions were needed for the issues around the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. We knew it was not going to be easy. We knew we needed to listen to each other’s concerns very carefully. Above all, we had to listen to the concerns of the people of Northern Ireland. We knew we had to work hard, with clear minds and determination. But we also both knew, dear Rishi, that we could do it. Because we were both genuinely committed to finding a practical solution for people and for all communities in Northern Ireland.

    Today, we can take pride in the fact that we have delivered on that commitment. Because today, we have reached an agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework. The Windsor Framework lays down new arrangements for the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. This new Framework will allow us to begin a new chapter. It provides for long-lasting solutions that both of us are confident will work for all people and businesses in Northern Ireland. Solutions that respond directly to the concerns they have raised.

    Prime Minister,

    We worked hard across a wide range of areas. The new arrangements are delivering a comprehensive package so that we can address in a definitive way the issues faced in everyday lives. I will only mention two examples that I find most telling.

    Indeed, the new Windsor Framework will ensure that the same food will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK. Furthermore, the new Windsor Framework will permanently enable all medicines, including novel ones, to be available in Northern Ireland at the same time, under the same conditions as in the rest of the UK. For this to work, we have agreed on safeguards like IT access, labels and enforcement procedures that will protect the integrity of the European Union’s Single Market. The new Windsor Framework respects and protects our respective markets and our respective legitimate interests. And most importantly, it protects the very hard-earned peace gains of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement for the people of Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland. Violence has no place in our society. I condemn wholeheartedly the shooting of the PSNI officer in Northern Ireland last week. My thoughts are with the officer and his family and friends.

    This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. An important milestone of the historic peace process. The new Windsor Framework is here to benefit people in Northern Ireland and support all communities celebrating peace on the island of Ireland. This is why I believe we can now open a new chapter in our partnership. A stronger EU-UK relationship standing as close partners shoulder to shoulder now and in the future.

    Many thanks.

  • Rishi Sunak – 2023 Statement on the Windsor Framework

    Rishi Sunak – 2023 Statement on the Windsor Framework

    The statement made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 27 February 2023.

    Good afternoon.

    All our thoughts are with Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell and his family after last week’s abhorrent shooting in Omagh.

    A man of extraordinary courage, his first thought was to protect the children he had been coaching.

    President Von der Leyen and I stand united with the people and leaders of all communities across Northern Ireland.

    Those trying to drag us back to the past will never succeed.

    This afternoon, I welcomed President Von der Leyen to Windsor to continue our discussions about the Northern Ireland Protocol.

    I’m pleased to report that we have now made a decisive breakthrough.

    Together, we have changed the original Protocol and are today announcing the new Windsor Framework.

    Today’s agreement:

    Delivers smooth flowing trade within the whole United Kingdom.

    Protects Northern Ireland’s place in our Union.

    And safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.

    These negotiations have not always been easy, but I’d like to pay an enormous personal tribute to Ursula for her vision in recognising the possibility of a new way forward.

    And to my colleagues the Foreign and Northern Ireland Secretaries for their steadfast leadership.

    The United Kingdom and the European Union may have had our differences in the past, but we are allies, trading partners, and friends…

    …something that we’ve seen clearly in the past year as we joined with others, to support Ukraine.

    This is the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship.

    For a quarter of a century the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement has endured because at its heart is respect for the aspirations and identities of all communities.

    Today’s agreement is about preserving that delicate balance and charting a new way forward for the people of Northern Ireland.

    I am standing here today because I believe that we have found ways to end the uncertainty and challenge for the people of Northern Ireland.

    We have taken three big steps forward.

    First, today’s agreement delivers the smooth flow of trade within the United Kingdom.

    Goods destined for Northern Ireland will travel through a new Green Lane, with a separate Red Lane for goods at risk of moving onto the EU.

    In the Green Lane, burdensome customs bureaucracy will be scrapped.

    It means food retailers like supermarkets, restaurants and wholesalers will no longer need hundreds of certificates for every lorry.

    And we will end the situation where food made to UK rules could not be sent to and sold in Northern Ireland.

    This means that if food is available on the supermarket shelves in Great Britain…

    …then it will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland.

    And unlike the Protocol, today’s agreement means people sending parcels to friends and family or doing their shopping online, will have to complete no customs paperwork.

    This means we have removed any sense of a border in the Irish Sea.

    Second, we have protected Northern Ireland’s place in the Union.

    We’ve amended the legal text of the Protocol to ensure we can make critical VAT and excise changes for the whole of the UK…

    …for example on alcohol duty, meaning our reforms to cut the cost of a pint in the pub will now apply in Northern Ireland.

    The same quintessentially British products like trees, plants, and seed potatoes – will again be available in Northern Ireland’s garden centres.

    Onerous requirements on pet travel have been removed.

    And today’s agreement also delivers a landmark settlement on medicines.

    From now on, drugs approved for use by the UK’s medicines regulator…

    …will be automatically available in every pharmacy and hospital in Northern Ireland.

    Third, today’s agreement safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.

    The only EU law that applies in Northern Ireland under the Framework…

    …is the minimum necessary to avoid a hard border with Ireland and allow Northern Irish businesses to continue accessing the EU market.

    But I know that many people in Northern Ireland are also worried about being subject to changes to EU goods laws.

    To address that, today’s agreement introduces a new Stormont Brake.

    Many had called for Stormont to have a say over these laws.

    But the Stormont Brake goes further and means that Stormont can in fact stop them from applying in Northern Ireland.

    This will establish a clear process through which the democratically elected Assembly can pull an emergency brake…

    …for changes to EU goods rules that would have significant, and lasting effects on everyday lives. If the brake is pulled, the UK government will have a veto.

    This gives the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland a powerful new safeguard, based on cross community consent.

    I believe the Windsor Framework marks a turning point for the people of Northern Ireland.

    It fixes the practical problems they face.

    It preserves the balance of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.

    Of course, parties will want to consider the agreement in detail, a process that will need time and care.

    Today’s agreement is written in the language of laws and treaties.

    But really, it’s about much more than that.

    It’s about stability in Northern Ireland.

    It’s about real people and real businesses.

    It’s about showing that our Union, that has lasted for centuries, can and will endure.

    And it’s about breaking down the barriers between us.

    Setting aside the arguments that for too long, have divided us.

    And remembering the fellow feeling that defines us:

    This family of nations – this United Kingdom.