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2021

29 December
European Commission publish a  on the application on EU law in respect to the supply of medicines to Northern Ireland as well as Ireland, Cyprus and Malta. 

21 December
New UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and EU Co-Chair of the Joint Committee and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič tweet comments from  and  perspectives after their first phonecall. 

19 December
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss  Lord Frost as UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee and lead negotiator for the UK in talks with the EU. Chris Heaton-Harris MP is appointed Minister of State for Europe and will deputise for the Foreign Secretary on EU Exit and the Protocol as necessary. 

18 December
Lord Frost  his position as UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee and Cabinet Minister citing "concerns about the current direction of travel" of Prime Minister Johnson's government. In a letter of  Johnson says that the Protocol is "undermining the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and the territorial integrity" of the UK. 

17 December
After another week of UK-EU talks on the Protocol, agreement is reached on the issue of medicine supplies to Northern Ireland, as well as Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič outlines Commission  to change EU legislation. The new legislation on supply of medicines will need to be approved by the European Parliament and Council; existing 'grace period' arrangements will continue until end of 2022 to facilitate this.

UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee Lord Frost makes a  on progress. 

10 December
Following another week of EU-UK talks on the Protocol, Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee tweet respective statements on progress from the  and  perspective.

9 December
The first  of the EU delegation to the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly takes place. 

6 December
UK parliament agree to establish a UK delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, it will consist of 21 MPs and 14 Lords. During a  in the UK parliament it was confirmed that devolved representatives will not form part of the delegation but may be invited to attend meetings as observers. 

3 December
Following another week of EU-UK talks on the Protocol, Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee tweet respective statements on progress from the  and  perspective. 

2 December
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference meets. A  following the Conference underlined the "deep value of strong bilateral cooperation at all levels" between the UK and Ireland. 

1 December
Court of Appeal in Belfast hears a  to the lawfulness of the Protocol. The appeal was brought after the High Court in Belfast dismissed the case on all grounds earlier in the year. 

26 November
Following another week of EU-UK talks on the Protocol, Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee tweet respective remarks on progress from the  and  perspective.  

2021

23 November
UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost delivers a  on trade policy at the Centre for Policy Studies' Margaret Thatcher conference. Frost describes the Protocol as "an issue of the highest national interest". 

EU General Affairs Council  EU-UK relations, EU Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič updates ministers on latest developments concerning the Protocol. 

First  of Equality Commission for NI, NI Human Rights Commission and Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission takes place in view of the Commissions shared mandate for monitoring citizens rights under Article 2(1) of the Protocol. 

19 November
After another week of EU-UK talks, UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost  "progress" has been made on medicines but "significant gaps remain across most issues" and riterates the UK government's preparedness to use Article 16 if no agreements are reached. EU Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič,  progress on the issue of medicines while stating it to be "essential that the recent change in tone now leads to joint tangible solutions in the framework of the Protocol". 

The British-Irish Council held its  meeting in Wales.

12 November
In a  following another week of EU-UK talks on the Protocol, EU Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič, "acknowledge[d] and welcome[d] the change in tone of discussion with [Lord] David Frost" and stated his "hope this will lead to tangible results for the people in Northern Ireland". 

10 November
Speaking in the House of Lords, UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost,  "there is more to do" in EU-UK talks and the UK government are therefore "certainly not at [the] point yet" of triggering Article 16 of the Protocol. 

5 November
EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič releases a  after meeting UK Co-Chair Lord Frost amid ongoing talks on the Protocol. 

Findings from University of Liverpool-commissioned  finds evidence of "inter-community consensus" in Northern Ireland for practical resolution of issues related to implementation of the Protocol. 

3 November
Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin  it would be "irresponsible and reckless" for the UK to use Article 16 of the Protocol. Martin warned that a UK decision to use Article 16 would have "far reaching implications" for the EU-UK relationship.

1 November
A Translink bus is  and set on fire in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, by masked men. Loyalist paramilitary group, the Protestant Action Force claim responsibility with those involved citing anger over the Protocol as justification. 

31 October
Writing in The Telegraph newspaper, EU Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič,  he is "increasingly concerned that the UK Government will refuse to engage with [EU proposals] and embark on a path of confrontation".

30 October
After meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson  EU-UK talks on the Protocol have been "constructive" but that "substantial gaps remain" between the positions of the two sides. 

28 October
Post-Brexit Governance NI latest 'Testing the Temperature' poll finds over half of respondents see the Protocol as 'on balance a good thing' for Northern Ireland yet a clear majority continue to view the Protocol as having a negative impact on a range of matters including political stability, NI's place in the UK internal market and British-Irish relations. 

18 October
Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee - EU Vice President and UK Cabinet Office Minister  - release separate statements following their meeting on 15 October. 

2021

15 October
A sectoral meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council on healthcare goes ahead with DUP Ministers present. First Minister Paul Givan says the  is in line with his party's stance on continuing cross-border cooperation in health and does not reflect a step a way from the DUP's boycott of general NSMC meetings. Ministers approve £1bn PEACE PLUS funding at the meeting.

13 October
European Commission sets out  to address "the difficulties that people in Northern Ireland have been experiencing because of Brexit" - four EU non-papers outline measures relating to , ,  and NI . The UK and EU will hold talks on the two sides proposals regarding the implementation of the Protocol. 

12 October
UK Co-Chair of Joint Committee Lord Frost delivers a  on 'the present state of the nation' covering UK-EU relations and the Protocol ahead of a planned EU announcement of new measures regarding implementation of the Protocol.  

11 October
High Court Judge in Belfast  that DUP Ministers "decision to withdrawal from the North-South Ministerial Council was and is unlawful". Mr Justice Scoffield ruled the DUP's boycott of NSMC meetings was in contravention of the Ministerial Code and legal obligations under the Northern Ireland Act 1998; the Court took no further action but reserved the right to do so if the DUP respondents did not comply. 

4 October
At the Conservative Party Conference, UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost, says the UK is planning to send legal texts to the EU based on the recent UK Command Paper. Frost warns without an agreed solution the UK would use Article 16. 

30 September
EU Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič,  the European Parliament's Conference of Presidents on the implementation of the Protocol and related issues.  

28 September
Leaders of the four main unionist parties in Northern Ireland - the DUP, UUP, TUV and PUP - sign a  affirming their opposition to the Protocol and calling for it to be "rejected and replaced" by arrangements that "fully respect Northern Ireland's position as a constituent and integral part" of the UK. A  accompanied the declaration release. 

26 September
BBC's Andrew Marr asks European Commissioner for Financial Services, Mairead McGuinness, about the prospect of the UK using Article 16. McGuinness  "threats are not helpful and Article 16 is used in very extreme circumstances". 

24 September 
Ninth meeting of the EU-UK Specialised Committee takes place. The  and  publish separate press releases. 

22 September
Speaking at the start of talks with the UK Prime Minister, US President Joe Biden  that peace in Northern Ireland must not be jeopardised by the outworkings of Brexit. 

16 September
UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost, says that any involvement of political opinion or institutions in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Protocol "is for the UK Government" to decide and suggests "the EU should exercise caution in suggesting" Northern Ireland involvement in the governance of the Protocol. 

15 September
DUP leader Sir Jeffery Donaldson gives  to the Lords Constitution Commitee on future governance of the UK. 

14 September
UK government  implementation of border controls on goods entering Great Britain from the EU. Under a revised , the UK will introduce full customs declarations and controls, and pre-notification on SPS requirements from 1 January 2022 and introduce additional requirements for Export Health Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates, physical checks and Safety and Security declarations from 1 July 2022. 

2021

9/10 September 
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee Maroš Šefčovič visits Northern Ireland delivers a  on the Protocol at �鶹�� before holding a .

6 September 
In a to the House of Lords, UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee and Cabinet Office Minister, Lord Frost, announces a unilateral extension to “grace periods and easements currently in force” in respect to the Protocol.

A European Commission in response ‘took note’ of the UK decision and said that it “is not opening any new infringements” against the UK “for now” but the EU reserved its rights to do so.

3/4 September
Taoiseach Micheál Martin delivers a at the British-Irish Association annual conference on Northern Ireland, the Protocol and UK–Ireland relates. Later, UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Lord Frost, also delivers a at the conference, mainly focusing on the Protocol.

27 July
European Commission  legal action against the UK for alleged breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement and publishes examples of identified by the Commission to facilitate full implementation of the Protocol.

26 July
European Commission publishes non-papers setting out proposals for the implementation of the Protocol in respect to and  measures.

21 July
UK Government publish  noting that the Protocol is “failing” to deliver on its objectives and calls for “significant changes” to be made. 

9 July
UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Lord Frost, gives to a Northern Ireland Assembly Committee on the implementation of the Protocol.

1 July
In his first as DUP leader Donaldson identifies removal of “the Irish Sea border’s pernicious impact on [NI’s] trading and constitutional position” as one of five core objectives.

30 June
Sir Jeffery Donaldson MP is  as new DUP leader after receiving the backing of the party’s electoral college with 32 out of 36 votes.

High Court in Belfast an application for judicial review against the Protocol.

European Commission set out a to address issues related to the Protocol, including a three-month extension to the grace period for checks and controls on chilled meat products moving GB-NI as per a recent UK government request. 

28 June
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič, gives to a Northern Ireland Assembly Committee on the Protocol.

European Commission  two adequacy decisions for the UK that will enable data sharing in accordance with the and the . 

25 June
The UK-EU Joint Committee's first  on the functioning of the Withdrawal Agreement is published.

2021

18 June
Recently appointed DUP leader, Edwin Poots, amid internal party tensions.

17 June
DUP MLA, Paul Givan, and Sinn Féin deputy leader, Michelle O’Neill, are as Northern Ireland’s new First and deputy First Ministers respectively. Nominated by new DUP leader, Edwin Poots, the appointment of Givan was taken forward despite internal opposition with many DUP representatives unhappy with a decision to agree a compromise whereby the UK government will pass Irish language legislation in October if it is not earlier introduced at Stormont. 

UK government make formal request to extend the grace period for preparations for new checks and controls on chilled meat products moving GB-NI due to expire on 30 June. 

16 June
UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost, gives to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

14 June
Arlene Foster calls on NI politicians to “be good neighbours” to each other in her last to the Assembly as First Minister.

10 June
At the G7 Summit, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sign a and issue a setting out shared priorities including a ‘commitment to Northern Ireland’ . This comes after it the US had issued a démarche – formal diplomatic reprimand – to the UK government over its position on the Protocol.

9 June
In separate statements following the sevent meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee meeting, UK Co-Chair  and EU Co-Chair  both reiterate commitment to the 1998 Agreement but make clear there remain disagreements over the Protocol. 

European Commission publish of flexibilities identified to ensure implementation of the Protocol and a of checks required on third country goods. 

1 June
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister and DUP leader Edwin Poots an extension to a delay on the introduction of checks on pets travelling GB-NI required under the Protocol.

24-25 May
European Council  state the Withdrawal Agreement, including its Protocols, and the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, “should be fully and effectively implemented and their governance structures made operational".

24 May
DUP leader Edwin Poots  the Protocol as “undeliverable” and indicates he may order officials to halt checks on goods entering NI from GB.

19 May
Representatives of the Loyalist Communities Council give evidence to the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee during the session, 19-year-old loyalist generates some alarm  that “he would not rule [violence] off the table” when it comes to resisting the Protocol.

Irish Central Statistics Office  show 44% increase in exports from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and 22% increase in Republic of Ireland exports to Northern Ireland in the first quarter of 2021.

17 May
Doug Beattie is  as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

15 May
UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Lord Frost  the Protocol "cannot be sustained for long” if it "operates so as to damage the political, social, or economic fabric of life" in Northern Ireland.

14 May
Edwin Poots is  as new DUP leader.

Prime Minister and Taoiseach meet at Chequers to  the future of British-Irish relations and reiterate support for the 1998 Agreement. High Court in Belfast  arguments against the Protocol in legal challenge brought by cross-party group of Unionist politicians.

8 May
Steve Aiken announces his  as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. 

7 May
Unionist leaders  to the UK Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, the US President and European Commission Vice-President expressing concern about the Protocol.

5 May
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis and Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney meet in Dublin. In a joint  they commit to convening the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in June.

2021

29 April
European Parliament to ratify the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement with 660 MEPs voting in favour and 5 against; 32 abstained. EU Co-chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maros Šefčovič releases a  reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol.

28 April
Arlene Foster announces her as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and First Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.

A planned North-South Ministerial Council meeting of rural development and agriculture ministers is after Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots, declines to attend.

26 April
A cross-party group of political and religious leaders  to the Prime Minister demanding “urgent” intervention following violent unrest in loyalist areas and at interfaces in Belfast.

22 April
European Parliament on EU-UK negotiations calls on the UK government to “act in good faith and fully implement the terms of the agreements it has signed” and calls on the Commission to “pursue with vigour” its proceedings against the UK.

16 April
A planned North-South Ministerial Council meeting of transport ministers is cancelled because no unionist representative from the Northern Ireland Executive is nominated to attend. 

15 April
Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee hold an informal meeting. Lord Frost  the meeting as “constructive”, Maros Šefčovič  it took place in a “solution-driven atmosphere”.

13 April
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis makes a in the House of Commons about recent violence and disorder in Northern Ireland.

8 April
Northern Ireland Assembly is recalled for a on support for the rule of law after successive nights of violent riots in Loyalist/Unionist areas and at interface areas of Belfast.

26 March
Seventh meeting of Specialised Committee on the Protocol is held in a "constructive atmosphere" according to statements from the  and . 

17 March
US President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Micheál Martin release  stating their unequivocal commitment to the Belfast 'Good Friday' Agreement. 

15 March
European Commission sends  of formal notice to UK Government from breach of obligations under the Protocol following unilateral extention of "grace periods". 

A Judicial Review  brought by unionist politicians against the Protocol is heard in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. 

12 March
Prime Minister Boris Johnson  Northern Ireland but does not hold talks with political parties. 

3 March
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis,  unilateral extensions to "grace periods" previously agreed by the EU-UK Joint Committee for supermarkets and their suppliers until 1 October 2021. EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee Maroš Šefčovič  "strong concerns" about the UK's action. Frost and Šefčovič  the UK's announcement by telephone. 

2021

27 February
Junior Northern Ireland Executive Minister Gordon Lyons instructs officials in the Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs to temporarily halt work on the construction of permanent Border Control Posts at ports. 

24 February
EU-UK Joint Committee holds first official meeting since the end of the Transition Period. Co-chairs, Michael Gove and Maroš Šefčovič release a  describing “the importance of joint action to make the Protocol work for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland”.

23 February
Sixth meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place, no statements are made.

17 February
Lord Frost replaces Michael Gove as UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee from 1 March 2021.

11 February
Co-Chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee Michael Gove and Maroš Šefčovič issue a joint  after "a frank but constructive" discussion about the implementation of the Protocol and outstanding issues. 

10 February
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič  to letter from UK Co-Chair Michael Gove sent on 2 February. 

2 February
UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Michael Gove  to EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič about the near-triggering of Article 16. 

DUP publishes a  to “free” Northern Ireland from the Protocol.

1 February
NI Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots  the withdrawal of staff implementing Protocol related checks from Belfast and Larne ports due to safety concerns.

29 January
A draft piece of EU legislation includes a clause that would have ‘ the Article 16 safeguard measure in the Protocol. Following immediate and widespread  of the move the Commission release a statement  the draft measure and commit to redrafting the legislation.

13 January 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson  goods are "flowing effectively" and in normal volumes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and describes supply chain disruptions as "teething problems". 

1 January 
Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland enters fully into force.

2020

31 December
The transition period ends at 11pm. EU-UK relations are governed according to the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement that applies provisionally, pending ratification by the European Parliament.

30 December
UK Parliament is recalled and passes the 2020 that gives effect to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement in domestic law. The Northern Ireland Assembly votes 47 to 38 in favour of a motion declining consent to  the EU (Future Relationship) Act.

29 December
The Council of the EU adopt a on the signing of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and its provisional application, pending a consent vote in the European Parliament in early 2021.

24 December
An agreement is reached on the terms of EU-UK future relations, the text of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is sealed. The Prime Minister the deal allows the UK to “take back control” and European Commission President it is a “fair and balanced” deal – EU Chief Negotiator also makes some .

Irish Higher Education Minister Simon Harris Irish government commitment to provide funding for Northern Ireland students to continue to participate in Erasmus.

17 December
At a virtual the EU-UK Joint Committee formally five decisions and a series of unilateral decisions regarding the implementation of the Protocol. Fifth meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol also takes place, no statements are made. receives Royal Assent.

9 December
UK Co-chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee Michael Gove delivers a to the House of Commons on decisions reached with the EU regarding the implementation of the Protocol. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson hold about UK-EU negotiations over dinner.

8 December
A joint from co-chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee announces their agreement in principle on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol. In view of the agreement, the UK Government withdraws the clauses of the UK Internal Market Bill that led to EU infringement proceedings.

5 December
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak and later issue a on the progress of EU-UK negotiations. They note significant differences remain on three issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. 

18 November
In response to an Urgent Question, Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office the House of Commons on preparations to implement the Protocol.

5 November
Fourth of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place.

21 October 
EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier delivers a  in the European Parliament on the progress of EU-UK negotiations. Prime Minister delivers a on EU-UK negotiations and invites the EU team to London to resume negotiations later in the week.

19 October
EU-UK Joint Committee . Michael Gove gives a to the House of Commons, updating MPs on the UK’s negotiations with the EU and the work of the Joint Committee.

16 October
Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a on negotiations with the EU, suspending the future relationship negotiations, concluding that the UK should prepare for an ‘Australian-style’ trade deal.

15 October
European Council meets. The from the Council reaffirm the EU’s original negotiating mandate. 

10 October
Third of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place.

1 October
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the EU will initiate legal proceedings to prevent the UK from trying to use domestic legislation to override aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement.

2020

28 September
The EU-UK Joint Committee . In a statement following the meeting, EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič the EU’s opposition to the UK Internal Market Bill.

22 September
European Committee of the Regions UK Contact Group holds its first meeting.

16 September
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warns the UK Government against reneging on the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol in her first ‘ address.

11 September
The European Parliament UK Coordination Group the Parliament will refuse consent to a UK-EU future relationship deal if the UK disregard the Withdrawal Agreement.

10 September
Extraordinary of the EU-UK Joint Committee held to discuss the UK Internal Market Bill and the implementation of the Protocol. The UK Government publishes its on the UK Internal Market Bill and the Protocol; the European Commission makes a  rejecting the UK argument that its UK Internal Market Bill is necessary to protect the 1988 Agreement.

9 September
The is introduced to the House of Commons. The bill includes clauses to disapply aspects of the Protocol.

16 July
Second of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place. UK Government publishes a White Paper on the ahead of introducing a dedicated Bill to parliament.

2020

30 June
The deadline for the UK to request an extension to the transition period, due to conclude at the end of December, passes.

25 June
European Council adopts on EU-UK relations.

15 June
Prime Minister Presidents of the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament by videoconference. In the meeting, the Prime Minister asks the EU leaders to “put a tiger in the tank” of stalled talks.

12 June
The meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee takes place.

20 May
UK government publishes white paper. 

19 May
UK government publish ten draft treaty texts it has tabled in the future relationship negotiations alongside a from David Frost to Michel Barnier. Barnier the following day.

30 April
EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for the first time. 

30 March
EU-UK Joint Committee meet for the by teleconference, co-chaired by Michael Gove and European Commission Vice-President, Maroš Šefčovič.

18 March
The European Commission publish a covering the future EU-UK partnership.

27 February
The UK government publish White Paper.

25 February
European Council a decision to open negotiations with the UK on a new EU-UK partnership.

3 February
Prime Minister out the UK Government’s proposed approach to future UK-EU relationship negotiations. European Commission makes a to the European Council to open negotiations on a new UK-EU partnership.

1 February
Transition Period Begins.

31 January
The UK leaves the EU. The Withdrawal Agreement enters into force at midnight (CET) marking the end of the Article 50 process and the beginning of an 11-month transition period during which EU law will continue to apply in the UK.

30 January
The Withdrawal Agreement is by the EU following approval from the European Parliament.

23 January
The receives Royal Assent. Section 5 of the 2020 Act gives the Withdrawal Agreement direct effect in UK law by amending the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (new ).

11 January
The Northern Ireland Assembly is restored after parties accepted the Agreement.