Brexit

Brexit, that is the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, has been the subject of many controversies and debates since the referendum on June 23, 2016. One of the most delicate issues the British government had to face during the Brexit negotiations is that of the Irish border. The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has been a source of tension and conflict for decades, and Brexit has only complicated matters…

Economic impact of Brexit on Ireland and Northern Ireland

A text with profound consequences for the Emerald Isle

Brexit raises major economic implications for Ireland and Northern Ireland, especially regarding trade. To recall, the European Union is the main trading partner of the Republic of Ireland, representing about 30% of its exports and 40% of its imports.

The arrival of Brexit caused a real break in the island’s trading habits, isolating Northern Ireland (which shares a land border with the European Union) from its usual exchanges with the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the EU.

The British government and the EU have proposed various solutions to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but no compromise was ultimately reached. The establishment of a hard border would have disastrous economic consequences for Northern Ireland, particularly for businesses that depend on cross-border trade.

Finally, Brexit could also impact tourism in Ireland and Northern Ireland. European tourists represent a significant share of visitors in both countries, and the introduction of border controls could make travel more difficult and discourage visitors.

Social impacts of Brexit on Ireland and Northern Ireland

Brexit also has important social implications, particularly concerning the peace process in Northern Ireland. The peace process in Northern Ireland relies on the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian violence.

The agreement established an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and allowed nationalists and unionists to share power.

However, Brexit has endangered the peace process in Northern Ireland by calling into question the existence of an open border between the two countries.

Nationalists in Northern Ireland fear that the reintroduction of border controls could undermine the Good Friday Agreement and revive sectarian tensions. Unionists, meanwhile, are concerned that Brexit will isolate them even more from the rest of the United Kingdom.
Brexit could also impact relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Both countries have worked hard to develop closer ties in recent years, and Brexit could jeopardize these efforts.