EU must learn to understand how Northern Ireland works

Europe has a lot to contribute to peace and prosperity in the North, if it can avoid further own goals 

The implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol is important for both sides. Brexit gives Northern Ireland access to both the British and European markets. 

Europe’s soft-spoken consensus-based politics hit an immoveable object during its first direct encounter with First Minister Arlene Foster. 

During a tense meeting in early February, the European Commissioner in charge of the Northern Ireland protocol was told in no uncertain terms that the voice of unionism wasn’t being listened to and that he didn’t understand unionism. The protocol, at just over one month old, is dragging Brussels to the heart of Northern Ireland politics.