EU-UK relations

The Council adopted two decisions related to the Windsor Framework, a new joint way forward on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on which the Commission and the UK government reached a political agreement in principle on 27 February 2023.

The decisions, establishing the EU’s position in the Joint Committee and the Joint Consultative Working Group set up under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, allow the EU to agree to the main elements of the Windsor Framework within these two bodies, translating them into legally binding commitments.

The adoption of the acts demonstrates the EU’s commitment to implementing the joint solutions that have been found to address practical difficulties in implementing the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on the ground.

The agreement on the Windsor Framework is a truly positive achievement ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It will benefit people and businesses in Northern Ireland and should allow the EU and the UK to open a new chapter in our relations. The member states stand united behind the European Commission in their support for the agreed solutions and look forward to their swift implementation in good faith.

Jessika Roswall, Minister for EU Affairs of Sweden

• New way forward on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Council greenlights main elements of the Windsor Framework (press release, 21 March 2023)
• Council decision on the EU position in the Joint Committee
• Council decision on the EU position in the Joint Consultative Working Group
• The Windsor Framework (European Commission, 27 February 2023)
• The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland explained (background information)

March European Council

The Council discussed the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on 23-24 March 2023. 

At its upcoming meeting, the European Council will address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions and the EU’s continued support to Ukraine and its people. 

EU leaders will also address competitiveness, single market and the economy. They will discuss Europe’s long-term strategy to boost competitiveness and productivity, and how to make the EU’s economic, industrial and technological base fit for the green and digital transitions. They will also hold a strategic discussion on EU trade policy and address the reform of the EU economic governance framework, as well as the 2023 European Semester. 

The European Council will also take stock of progress in the implementation of its conclusions on energy. The Presidency and the Commission will inform EU leaders on progress in the implementation of the February European Council conclusions on migration.

• Annotated draft agenda

European Semester

Ministers examined a presidency synthesis report summarising the contributions of the different Council formations on the 2023 European Semester. 

The presidency presented an updated roadmap for the 2023 European Semester, which outlines the key steps of the 2023 European Semester cycle. 

The Council also agreed to forward a draft recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area to the European Council for endorsement.

• Synthesis report on Council contributions on the 2023 European Semester
• European Semester 2023 - Updated roadmap
• Draft Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area
• How the European Semester works (background information)