Estimated time of reading: ~ 3 minutes  

As Michelle O’Neill takes the helm as Northern Ireland’s Prime Minister, all eyes are on the approach to the European Union (EU) and the future of Northern Ireland’s relationship with the bloc. With Stormont facing significant challenges in the wake of Brexit and the recent political impasse, O’Neill’s leadership holds the promise of reshaping Northern Ireland’s stance on EU relations, particularly in defense and economic cooperation.

Since the Brexit vote of 2016, the blurred border with the Republic of Ireland, the competing British and Irish identities tensions and the recent lifting of the DUP blockade, have addressed concerns on Northern Ireland’s economic ties with the rest of the UK and Ireland. As Prime Minister, O’Neill faces the task of navigating Northern Ireland’s evolving relationship with the EU, particularly in defense. 

The prospect of a hard border reawakened historical tensions and threatened the fragile peace painstakingly built over decades. However, the Northern Ireland Protocol, agreed as part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, sought to mitigate these risks by keeping Northern Ireland within the EU’s customs territory and applying EU customs rules at its ports.

Yet, the implementation of the Protocol has not been without its challenges. Trade disruptions, border checks, and supply chain issues have underscored the complexities of balancing Northern Ireland’s unique position within the UK while maintaining an open border with the Republic of Ireland. This delicate balancing act has become a focal point of political discourse, with various parties advocating for different approaches to safeguarding Northern Ireland’s interests.

In parallel, discussions on defense cooperation with the EU have gained prominence. Northern Ireland’s shift from neutrality to closer involvement in EU defense initiatives reflects evolving security dynamics in the region. Now, Michelle O’Neill faces the task of navigating these complexities while ensuring Northern Ireland’s security interests are safeguarded. Economic and financial cooperation with the EU remains paramount for Northern Ireland’s prosperity. The region’s access to EU funding and markets has played a vital role in supporting economic development and peace-building initiatives. Maintaining close ties with the EU in these domains will be crucial for sustaining growth and stability in a post-Brexit landscape.

Written by: Nenad Stekić