Renew Europe welcomed the provisional agreement announced this week between the European Commission and the UK Government to build on the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Group hopes it will create much needed momentum for the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland, while protecting the EU Single Market and opening the door to more constructive EU-UK relations. Renew Europe MEPs will closely scrutinise the proposals. 

Nathalie Loiseau MEP (L'Europe Ensemble, FR), Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, said: 

“The sense of responsibility of both the EU and the UK is most welcome. We note the flexibility demonstrated by the EU and wish that this agreement can create long awaited stability for Northern Ireland and satisfactory protection of the Single Market for businesses, workers and consumers. Renew Europe MEPs will fully scrutinise these proposals; the European Parliament stands ready to fulfil its duties." 

Barry Andrews MEP (Fianna Fáil, IE), Member of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, added: 

"President von der Leyen's visit to the UK today could be a seminal moment in the EU-UK relationship. This sends a strong signal to all communities that both the EU and the UK are committed to maintaining good relations and finding solutions. I hope that the final text will provide for a prominent role for MLAs in EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, a commitment by UK not to withdraw from ECHR given its importance to GFA and an increased role for NI stakeholders." 

What I am hoping to see in the #Protocol deal:

▪️Prominent role for MLAs in EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly

▪️Commitment by UK not to withdraw from ECHR given its importance to GFA

▪️larger role for NI business and CSOs pic.twitter.com/OaIYbpGHYz

— Barry Andrews MEP (@BarryAndrewsMEP) February 27, 2023