13. Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol
The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, known as Brexit, reignited concerns over the Irish border, trade, and the Good Friday Agreement. The Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, established a de facto customs border in the Irish Sea, creating a regulatory and customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. This arrangement aimed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland but has led to ongoing negotiations and disruptions, complicating cross-border life and reviving questions about sovereignty (BBC).
