In the midst of Brexit negotiations, the European Union announced it was willing to begin the process of solidifying trade agreements before the end of the year. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asserted that the US would not accept any trade agreements with Britain if any Brexit-related outcome tampered with the Good Friday Agreement. These accords currently hold the peace between the North of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after literal centuries of sectarian violence exacerbated by British colonialism and Irish nationalist movements. A crucial component of this tenuous peace is the lack of a hard border between the two areas, allowing for relatively free movement on both sides. Reportedly, the European Union has also refused to accept any British withdrawal agreements that would require elements of a hard border, as that would almost definitely incite unnecessary violence. Opponents of these requirements from the British Parliament are concerned about the lack of a “clean break” that may threaten future trade agreements with other nations.
Overall, I find this article and its general subject to be thought-provoking. During this time of overall economic precariousness, the US’s and EU’s dedication to keeping a seemingly minute detail that is crucial for the peace in Ireland is admirable. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the existence of any possible benefits to Brexit, I also thought it was interesting to see these entities potentially forfeit economic gains and trade deals for the sake of the peace accords they helped broker. In a broader macroeconomic sense, consumer confidence in Ireland would undoubtedly nosedive from a variety of factors if the Good Friday Agreement were in any way hindered by Brexit negotiations.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-usa/irish-brexit-border-issue-could-endanger-eu-u-s-trade-deal-congressman-idUSKCN1RV0JO
1 comment:
I too find the EU’s and US’s devotion towards keeping the peace in Ireland commendable. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was reached after much conflict and hardships, so it is a comfort knowing that other counties would stand for and protect the peace it has brought. If other countries were to also agree to not have trade agreements with Britain if Brexit affects the Good Friday Agreement, then this could certainly protect the Agreement to an extent. However, Britain should keep aware of this when making decisions and monitor other nations’ positions if they want trade arrangements with those who want to protect the Good Friday Agreement.
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