Agreement between the EU and the UK on the post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland: Deal helps to prepare the ground for closer EU-UK cooperation

28 February 2023 - On the news about an agreement between the European Union and the UK on the post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer said: "Deal helps to prepare the ground for closer EU-UK cooperation".

"European business welcomes the announcement of an EU-UK deal on Northern Ireland. We will assess it in detail over the coming days. The deal promises to end a long-standing row about the post-Brexit trading arrangements in the region and help prepare the ground for closer EU-UK cooperation.

BusinessEurope has always been open to pragmatic solutions that ease the flow of goods whilst respecting the Good Friday Agreement and maintaining the integrity of the EU Single Market. We hope that the announcement will lead to a durable outcome that helps to normalise the relationship between the EU and the UK. This will allow both sides to deepen their cooperation on issues key for the future competitiveness of our businesses. Business stands ready to engage constructively in this process."