VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER
SPECIAL REPORT | 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 http://eurac.tv/9Q0S
This project has been funded with support from the Measure co-financed European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission by the European Union cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER
SPECIAL REPORT | 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 http://eurac.tv/9Q0S
On 29 March, the United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union. EURACTIV.com’s on-the-ground reporting looks into the effects of Brexit on EU regions and, in particular, its implications for the relationship between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Contents
Brexit will be painful for the EU27 too. This is where it will hit hardest 4
Northern Ireland – A cross-border economy at stake 7
EU is a driving force in supporting peace in Northern Ireland 10
Looking back to move forward: Building trans-generational peace in Northern Ireland 13
Brexit impact in Northern Ireland: When peace is at stake 15 4 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Brexit will be painful for the EU27 too. This is where it will hit hardest
By Beatriz Rios | EURACTIV.com
Brexit protesters demonstrate by the Houses of parliament in London on 17 January 2019. [EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL]
s the deadline for the UK’s outcome. course, with Ireland. departure from the EU Given the economic, social and The Republic of Ireland is likely to Aapproaches, EURACTIV.com political ties between the UK and the be the main collateral victim of Brexit, looked at how Brexit will impact the EU, Brexit will be painful for the whole 14% of Irish exports go to Britain, rest of Europe. Ireland, France and of Europe, but some areas of the EU which means the economic impact of Germany are likely to be the most might see particularly significant Brexit could be as bad for Ireland as for heavily affected. trade disruptions, higher tariffs, or the UK. disturbance in their supply chains. But for Dublin, there are additional If the United Kingdom crashes out According to a recent study social and political consequences, of the EU without a deal, the country commissioned by the Committee of because peace in Northern Ireland is could lose up to 9.3% of its GDP. the Regions (CoR), an EU consultative also at stake. However, the economic consequences body, Germany, France, Belgium and for the remaining EU member states the Netherlands would be the most could be hefty too, whatever the affected member states, together, of Continued on Page 5 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 5
Continued from Page 4 links to the UK. highly export-oriented. Niederbayern A big part of Belgium’s GDP comes hosts BMW’s largest production FRANCE from exports and trade of goods facility and the single biggest transiting through Flemish ports. And chemical plant in the world is located In France, the regions of Hauts- a lot of those exports are going to the in Rheinhessen-Pfalz. de-France and Brittany are the main UK. But it also works the other way Possible disruption of trade European gateways to the UK, both around: 78% of all British exports to relations with the UK would be a through the Channel tunnel and Europe arrive at the port of Zeebrugge burden on these companies. maritime connections. They are the in Belgium. Lower Saxony also has strong two regions with the strongest socio- With Brexit, Belgian ports will economic ties with the UK and a economic ties to Britain. become an external border of the EU number of British citizens live there. The impact of Brexit in these and commercial ties on both sides of The government has asked them to regions touches upon several sectors the Channel would be endangered, apply for citizenship and requests as the UK is one of the main foreign as border controls and tariffs are have tripled in the past few months, investors for companies in the area expected. Brexit could also affect according to Birgit Honé, the state’s and an important client for goods and cooperation in fighting illegal Minister for Federal and European services providers. migration. Affairs. François Decoster is vice-president Belgium will not only be hit Although Brexit will affect a of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie in Flanders. Wavre, the capital of wide range of sectors in Lower Regional Council and Chairman of Wallonia’s Brabant region near Saxony, fisheries are one of Honé’s the Committee of the Region’s Brexit Brussels, hosts the headquarters of main concerns. “The areas in which Interregional Group. Glaxo Smith Kline, a major British fishermen from Lower Saxony can fish “In the regions closer to the UK, pharmaceutical company. Its future are in the UK border and those will not we are particularly worried about the could be called into question after be accessible anymore in case of a hard uncertainty that might arise from 29 Brexit. Brexit, so their job is really at stake,” March,” he told EURACTIV. she said. Decanter also complained about GERMANY “A no-deal Brexit would be a the “schizophrenic” situation in which catastrophe,” she told EURACTIV. regions are now finding themselves. In Germany, the state of Hessen will Indeed, regions need to prepare for a be the hardest hit. The UK is Hessen’s IRELAND no-deal scenario while keeping an eye third market, accounting for 7.5% of on a possible decision by the House all its exports, but also one of its main In Ireland, machinery, electronics, of Commons allowing for an orderly import gateways. pharmaceutical and especially the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. A disruption in trade relations agri-food sectors are the economic According to him, the two-year with the UK could have a major impact areas likely to be hit hardest by Brexit. negotiation period laid down in Article for one of the richest regions of the “Brexit is already having a 50 of the EU treaty has proven to be too EU, particularly in sectors like the significant economic impact,” said short, although it seemed a lot when it automotive industry, chemical and Michael Murphy, a councillor from was triggered two years ago. pharmaceuticals, electrotechnical Tipperary and the leader of the Irish The French economy will be also products and machinery. Not to delegation in the Committee of the affected in sectors like agri-food, mention the strong financial exchange Regions. The volatility of the Pound plastics – Auvergne is home to tyre between The City and Frankfurt, already has an impact on companies manufacturer Michelin –, and the Germany’s financial heart. However, exporting to the UK, he told EURACTIV. transport vehicles industry. Frankfurt could also benefit from According to the CoR’s study, while However, France also has the Brexit and become more attractive Irish trade, in general, is less reliant potential to attract companies that than London as a financial services on the UK than in the past, in some might leave the UK due to Brexit. provider and international hub for sectors the dependence has increased multinational companies. over time. BELGIUM Also in Germany, the city of “But despite all of the concerns Stuttgart is home to global players about the economic challenges,” Another gateway to Europe is such as Daimler, Porsche, Bosch, IBM Murphy said, “the greatest challenge situated in Flanders, Belgium, which and Hewlett-Packard and small and has close maritime and commercial medium-sized enterprises that are Continued on Page 6 6 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Continued from Page 5 European regions and cities. Because Brexit will not impact all of all is ensuring peace in the island of areas in the same way, the European Ireland.” Committee of the Regions has Representatives on both sides of demanded the European Commission the border have voiced concern over include instruments in the EU’s next the possible impact of Brexit for the long-term budget to address this peace process. particular issue. “We do not want to go back to “We must take into consideration the dark days of the past,” Murphy the situation of regions close to stressed. The EU has defended the the UK are going to face also in the backstop to preserve the integrity of negotiation for the future Cohesion the Single Market and avoid a hard Policy,” François Decoster said. border in Ireland, in spite of continued Another possibility is to increase attempt from London to get rid of it. funds for member states that will “Europe won’t let Ireland down, suddenly become the external border I am confident of that,” Murphy of the EU, as was the case for countries insisted. whose border became an internal EU border after the bloc’s enlargement to NO WINNERS IN BREXIT new member states. Michel Barnier, the former From tourism in Spain and the EU Commissioner for Regional thousands of jobs at stake in Gibraltar, policy, today is the EU’s chief Brexit the over a million Polish citizens in negotiator. the UK, investments in Malta, the agri- “In any hypothesis, measures will food sector in Greece, fashion in Italy, need to be taken,” CoR President Karl- electronics in the Czech Republic, Heinz Lambertz told EURACTIV. regions and countries all around “When Brexit comes, the EU should Europe will suffer to some extent prove its added value,” Lambertz said. from the consequences of the UK’s departure from the EU. The results of the study by the Committee of the Regions revealed that “most regions would likely lose their current position in some sectors in terms of trade, direct investments or migration opportunities for workers, students or researchers” due to Brexit. In other words, there will be no clear “winners”, it said. However, for stronger regions, Brexit might be an opportunity to attract businesses leaving the UK to regain access to the EU Single Market. While for regions with less dynamic and less diversified economies, Brexit can present a much bigger challenge. The problem is that even in case of an orderly withdrawal, it is still unclear what kind of relationship the EU and the UK will have in the future. The answer to that question will determine how hard Brexit will hit 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 7
Northern Ireland – A cross-border economy at stake
By Beatriz Rios | EURACTIV.com
Traffic passes an anti-Brexit sign on the old Dublin Road near Newry, Northern Ireland, Britain, 26 May 2018. [EPA]
s the UK prepares to leave outcome of the Article 50 negotiations of its exports go to the north, although the EU, Northern Ireland will will be crucial for the future of the the UK is its main trading partner. Abe severely affected as its island. Northern Ireland will be economy is highly interlinked with the Up to 30,000 workers work and particularly vulnerable though due Republic of Ireland. Disruptions to the live on different sides of the border to the loss of EU funding and the supply chain and access to markets are and 31% of the exports from the north potential impact of tariffs and non- the main concerns for businesses. have their destination in the south, tariffs barriers for trade between both which makes Ireland the largest side of the island, The line that separates the Republic international market for Northern There, the agri-food sector of Ireland and Northern Ireland will Ireland exports. is particularly at risk as raw and be the biggest land-border between The Republic, however, would not the EU and the UK after Brexit. The be affected as much because only 1% Continued on Page 8 8 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Continued from Page 7 been listened to and I don’t know Union, they will not have a say over if politicians are fully aware of the any possible reform of the rules. processed products cross the borders pressure that it has been putting on “We won’t be able to influence that several times before being ready for the entire food and supply chain,” so there might be some changes that market. That will be much harder Food NI CEO explained. could be detrimental to the business,” after Brexit. In case of no deal, almost The uncertainty surrounding the the co-founder of the distillery impossible. negotiations are already having an explained. important impact on investments in SUPPLY CHAIN the food sector in Northern Ireland. CHALLENGES AND DISRUPTION “Some people have been planning OPPORTUNITIES? but it is very, very difficult to plan when “Everybody is worried about the you don’t really know what all the “Brexit is already having an impact consequences of Brexit, from farmers factors are and what the alternatives on the economy here,” Seanna Walsh, through the producers, the processors, are going to be,” Shirlow stressed. member of the Belfast City Council and even the hospitality industry,” “My only consolation is that for Sinn Fein and chair of the Brexit Michele Shirlow, CEO of the Northern companies are very resilient and they Committee, told EURACTIV. Ireland Food and Drinks Association often find the way through before Walsh stressed the important (Food NI) told EURACTIV.com. governments do,” she said. economic links between the south and The main concern is the possible David Boyd-Armstrong, co- the north of the island. “The economy disruption of the supply chain. founder of Rademon Estate distillery, here has grown into an all-island “There are an awful lot of our food that produces Shortcross gin, said the economy,” he said. ingredients that come from Europe,” disruption of the supply chain is also a Farmers who have animals in the she explained. major concern as they import some of north process their meat and dairy “The food industry in Ireland is their material from the rest of the EU. products in the south and then, ship very integrated, north and south. “Our supply chain is intensively them back across the border to some Products at the moment can cross the built across the EU so at the minute we of the export companies, Walsh border six, seven times before they just do not know. And because of that, explained. end up as a final product. And I just we can’t really plan for what’s going “The Ireland economy does not don’t think that has been taken into to come to us,” Boyd-Armstrong told recognise the border simply because account,” Shirlow regretted. EURACTIV. of the fact both the south and the But producers are also concerned “Until we get clarity that there is north of Ireland were in the EU. You about potential implications for going to be a deal between the UK and change that in any way, it creates labelling, the loss of geographical the EU, that risk isn’t going to go away,” major problems for agriculture, for indications and especially the he said. the industry, for small and medium- disruption of trade and access to But that is not their only concern. sized businesses…” the Sinn Fein markets. The alcoholic beverage sector is highly “I am not convinced that it has regulated, so as the UK leaves the Continued on Page 9 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 9
Continued from Page 8 an important issue for business on the some align with this position as well. island as well. “We think there still can be a deal, representative warned. Lyons defended the need to make and there must be a deal, but it has to The Democratic Unionist Party sure that the UK maintains “a close be a deal that leaves Northern Ireland (DUP), however, does not agree and trading relationship with the rest of in the same trading relationship as the considers Brexit more an opportunity Europe”. However, the differences Republic of Ireland,” Colom Eastwood, than a threat to the Northern Irish over how to resolve the question on leader of the Social Democratic and economy. the Irish border is still a concern for Labour Party (SDLP) told EURACTIV. Although the majority of the the DUP, a party on which UK Prime Eastwood went beyond defending people voted to remain in the EU, Minister Theresa May depends. that Northern Ireland should remain member of the Assembly of Northern If the UK leaves the Union with a in the Single Market and the Customs Ireland (MLA) for the DUP Gordon withdrawal agreement, the country Union “which will result in being no Lyons defended that those who voted would remain in the Customs Union need for infrastructure at the border,” to leave are even more convinced now. and the Single Market during the Eastwood noted, “that is why the Their desire to leave the EU has transition period, intended to allow backstop is so important.” only increased “because people see the parties to negotiate their future The leader of the SDLP has his the opportunities that can come from relationship. constituency in Derry-Londonderry, Brexit”, Lyons told EURACTIV, “the To avoid a hard border on the an area that has seen important opportunities that we have, to go into island of Ireland in case the parties fail economic development thanks to the the world and not be tied back, as to conclude an agreement at the end of political stability over the past twenty many feel they have been by being part that period – December 2020 -, the UK years but it would be also one of the of the European Union.” and the EU agreed to include the so- places most affected by Brexit. Some exporters, however, do not called ‘backstop’. “The economic situation could feel the same way. Boyd-Armstrong, The backstop is an emergency be very very difficult and it could whose distillery exports to Canada, solution that would see Northern be exacerbated by Brexit, which with which the EU has a free trade Ireland staying aligned to some rules then leads into all the other social agreement, said that “there is a certain of the EU single market, while the problems,” he warned. irony” to that argument. whole British territory would be part The area was heavily affected by the “We are seeing trade deals with of a customs union. Troubles and is only a few kilometres South Korea, we are seeing trade deals Unionists oppose this solution away from the border. In such places, with Australia and New Zealand come because it would mean separating the need to avoid a hard border is felt through within the EU and we are Northern Ireland from Britain more strongly. going to walk away from the EU and “constitutionally and economically”, just wait until we strike new deals,” he said Lyons. said. For the EU and the Republic The uncertainty of future economic of Ireland, the backstop is non- relations with third countries remains negotiable. But in Northern Ireland, 10 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
EU is a driving force in supporting peace in Northern Ireland
By Beatriz Rios | EURACTIV.com | video by Michael Ball
A woman walks past an Irish Republican mural depicting the 1916 Easter Rising in west Belfast, Northern Ireland, 29 June 2017. [EPA/Paul McErlane]
eter used to be a policeman crimes, in the borders. He spent 34 The initiative aims to build during ‘the Troubles’, while Tom years trying to stop the violence that relationships between the former Pserved 13 years in prison because blighted the province for decades. combatants themselves and with the of his activities in the loyalist Ulster When he retired, he joined Co- community as a whole. Volunteer Force (UVF), a paramilitary operation Ireland, a charity for peace- “The Open Doors project is looking group. Now, both help former building. at people who were former ex- combatants reintegrate into Northern Co-operation coordinates the prisoners from all of the communities Irish society. A project like this would EU funded project ‘Open Doors’ in Northern Ireland and who have have been almost impossible without and works with four organizations a useful contribution to make to the EU’s support. representing former Republican and rebuilding the society,” Sheridan Loyalist combatants and ex-prisoners: explained to EURACTIV.com. Peter Sheridan worked 34 years as Charter NI, Teach Na Failte, EPIC and a police officer in counter-terrorism, The Plough. Continued on Page 11 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 11
Continued from Page 10 reintegration and reconciliation. have been impossible otherwise. “It “There have been significant might have been hard politically for Although the conflict has been changes in Northern Ireland over the some people to get involved with,” almost completely inactive for almost past twenty years. The peace process McIntyre insisted. 20 years, more than 30,000 people has worked pretty well,” Roberts said were imprisoned for crimes related to EURACTIV. EU FUNDS FOR PEACE to their involvement in the ‘Troubles’ “Unfortunately the politics have and many are still serving. Integrating not worked too well,” he said, referring Since 1995, the EU has them in the reconciliation process is to the inability of the political provided more than €1.3 billion for key to preserving peace in the region. forces in Northern Ireland to form a peacebuilding and reconciliation “Some of the most valuable government after the last assembly within the two communities in assessments that we get are from elections almost two years ago. Northern Ireland and the border people who were what we call former The decision of the UK to leave counties of the Republic of Ireland. combatants or former prisoners, the EU has only increased the Through the European Regional who want to see Northern Ireland tension. Brexit, Roberts said, was “an Development Fund, the Union has progress,” he said. unwelcome layer of complexity on promoted social and economic Tom Roberts is the director of the the top of the complexities we already cohesion between Northern Ireland Ex-Prisoners Interpretative Centre have.” and the border counties of the (EPIC). Roberts, a former member The Open Doors project was Republic to further ease the tension in of the UVF, spent 13 years in prison established thanks to the support of the the area too. himself. From EPIC, he helps others to EU through the PEACE programme. During the last twenty years, find their place in society. The programme was designed in the Northern Ireland has moved forward The EPIC office is located only a few ’90s to accompany the dialogue that in building positive relations between steps away from Shankill Road, in west eventually led to the peace agreement the two communities. However, Belfast. in 1998. society remains largely divided and a During the ‘Troubles’, ‘Shankill’ Its main aim was to help to build lot of issues still remain to be solved. was a centre for paramilitary activity. peace between the two communities. The current PEACE programme Today, those days are present in the “The EU funding was seen as has a total budget of almost €270 murals that decorate the streets of the neutral and that was very important million and will run until 2021, when neighbourhood, honouring the UVF particularly post-conflict,” Ginathe transition period of the withdrawal and the Red Hand Commando, but the McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU agreement if there is one, would have violence is long gone. Programmes Body (SEUPB), told already expired. Whether there is a deal or not, the EU has decided to keep the funding flowing. “The European Union was instrumental in helping us achieve what we did in the Good Friday Agreement and has been with us the whole time in the European PEACE programme,” Jane Morrice, member of the European Economic and Social Committee and former representative in the Assembly of Northern Ireland told EURACTIV. Although the peace process and the peace programme are two separate Video: http://eurac.tv/9Q29 things, the second “underpins” the first, Gina McIntyre explained, “because it gives communities the resources to EPIC was originally established EURACTIV. develop work that they would like to to help former prisoners to deal with Projects such as Open Doors, which do in relation to peacebuilding and practical issues such as housing or bring together former combatants unemployment, but also to support from both sides of the conflict, would Continued on Page 12 12 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Continued from Page 11 to be a very important vehicle, and I sometimes like to refer to it as a bridge bringing communities together.” on Brexit, because it will allow those The programme follows a links to continue in a safe space,” said bottom-up approach, leaving the McIntyre. organisations involved to decide how However, Brexit is still a threat to they want to contribute to a more the work hundreds of organizations peaceful society. Projects range from benefiting from EU resources have sports to education, housing, support carried out over the past twenty years for the victims and survivors to art and in building peace in the region. reappropriation of the public space. “The European Union provided
Video: http://eurac.tv/9Q2b
“Northern Ireland, as you might a space for Irish and British to meet, have realised, is a very segregated whether it would be Brussels or community, both in housing, in elsewhere, and again, to get to know schooling and in communities each other better, learn from each themselves. The PEACE programme other,” Morrice, who was involved in has played a significant role in the peace process, explained. being able to bring people together,” “Now, that is being removed and it McIntyre said. is more than unfortunate. It is painful. “During the conflict, people could I can’t even find the words to describe see what the rule was because they how bad it is.” could see it in the television: bombs and bullets. But post the conflict, it is about building relationships with people who, in some ways, saw themselves as enemies during the conflict,” Peter Sheridan explained. The European Commission is aware of the importance of EU funds in supporting peace in Northern Ireland and is committed to preserving the programme, even in case of no-deal and even beyond Brexit. A new PEACE+ program has been included in the next long-term EU budget for 2021-2027. Video: http://eurac.tv/9Q2c “The PEACE+ programme is going 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 13
Looking back to move forward: Building trans-generational peace in Northern Ireland
By Beatriz Rios | EURACTIV.com
The Hands Across the Divide monument in Derry-Londonderry, symbolises the spirit of reconciliation and hope for the future. [Shutterstock]
hay McArdle is 21 years old. He generation now knows only one thing haven’t been exposed to the violence, lives in Dundalk, Ireland, and has – peace. which is still glorified in the streets Sno idea what a hard border looks McArdle and 18-year-old Alyshia of Belfast or Derry that were once like or what it was like to live through Jackson are both members of the battlefields. the ‘Troubles’. But he is committed to Youth Network for Peace, a cross- Like Shay and Alyshia, more than preserving the state of peace that he border initiative supported by the EU 10,000 young people in Northern was born into. that encourages young people to build Ireland and the border counties work cross-community ties in Dundalk, a together to preserve peace. Almost 21 years have passed since town situated 10 kilometres away from The cross-community aspect of the the Good Friday Agreement was the border. Youth Network for Peace is key. “Most signed, and 47 years since Bloody Of course, young people in Ireland young people have the same issues,” Sunday, which marked the peak of have inherited some of the problems violence in Northern Ireland. A whole resulting from the conflict, but they Continued on Page 14 14 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Continued from Page 13 is now,” she insisted. men were fighting, there were women The project also has provided older working hard as well,” Wolf said. he explained, “there is nothing really people from different communities Although women played a that divides us, it is just the history.” the possibility to share activities. They fundamental role in the conclusion of “A lot of leaders in my locality combat loneliness and isolation by the Good Friday Agreement and the would have experienced the Troubles, teaming up with people they would Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition the bombings and the atrocities that have regarded as their enemy years helped as a facilitator during the peace happened,” McArdle told EURACTIV, ago. talks, women have often felt excluded “they can give us guidance on how the “These older people have lived in the post-conflict arena. peace process came and then young through the past 30 years, through “The Women’s coalition party people can build from that.” the Troubles, they might have helped bring about the peace process, “The peace process is a different preconceptions about other but after the peace process happened, continuation, it is not a one-stop shop. communities and other towns,” the Women’s coalition was no longer Without that, I think the communities McLaughlin explained, “but I was there. That in itself, I think it has been can continue further to divide,” the blown away by how ready these people put women to the back again,” Barrow young peace leader insisted. But if you were to try something new, to make said. get young people together, he said, new friends, to have a new life in their “We feel that women have a unique they will create connections. third age.” part to play, particularly in a region “We have never seen other than Patricia McCormack, 77, that is transitioning out of conflict, as peace growing up,” Jackson, who participates in one of these groups in it is Northern Ireland and the border voiced her concern over the impact of Carrickfergus, where she takes part in counties,” Joanne Jennings, head of Brexit, told EURACTIV. “All the work drama classes, in the East of Northern The Next Chapter, explained. we have put into that… we would be Ireland. She admitted being a bit “We are just as important,” Wolf devastated just to see that gone like hesitant at the beginning. added. that.” “There is always this undercurrent Barrow, meanwhile, believes that ‘them and us’… but then, these cross- Northern Ireland has a very much PEACING AGES TOGETHER community projects they have over male-dominated culture, lagging the years behind the scenes have made behind in female representation in the The Mid and East Antrim Council a tremendous impression on the out public and private sphere. fosters cross-community social whole community,” she explained. “When you promote women in activities and transgenerational links “I have been involved in other leadership, you bring the whole family to build peace, bringing together cross-community projects and I think along, you are bringing the whole people old and young from deprived we needed it in Northern Ireland, we community alone… We need more areas. need people to come together,” said female-centric leadership roles in our In exchange for young people Carley Anderson, another member of society,” Julie Heeney, also a member spending time with the elderly, they the group. of the Next Chapter, explained. get history lessons. “We need to remember the family, “They listen to the stories of WOMEN’S VOICES the childcare issues, maternity the past, they listen to how things issues… those are community issues, were different and how people lived Kathy Wolf and Jackie Barrow are they don’t just belong to females.” before,” Sarah McLaughlin, project both members of The Next Chapter, officer for Peacing Ages Together, told an initiative that aims to empower EURACTIV. women in Northern Ireland. The “We have three intergenerational project brings together women from groups that work under Peacing different backgrounds and classes and Ages Together. Those partnerships encourages them to help each other to have proven to be so successful,” lead the transformation of society into McLaughlin said. a more inclusive, equalitarian fair one. “They don’t really comprehend it They sat down with EURACTIV. because they haven’t lived through “I think sometimes in post-conflict the ‘Troubles’ but they are getting the societies we tend to focus on the men opportunity to learn from what the who fought in the war. But there is past was like and to see what normality a tendency to realize that when the 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 15
Brexit impact in Northern Ireland: When peace is at stake
By Beatriz Rios | EURACTIV.com | video by Michael Ball
iron gate in Northumberland street separates Republican area of Falls and Loyalist area of Shankill in Belfast,Northern Ireland. [Federico Zovadelli/Shutterstock]
ime is running out as the UK is For decades, Northern Ireland and the membership of the European set to leave the EU on 29 March, the border counties of the Republic of Union, eased the tension and Tand an orderly withdrawal is not Ireland were at the heart of a sectarian allowed the island to turn the border yet secured. EURACTIV has travelled conflict between Catholic Republicans from a battlefield into a source of to Northern Ireland, where Brexit is – defending the reunification of opportunities and cooperation, from a more than a political or economic Ireland- and mostly Protestant barrier into a gateway. issue – it is a challenge for peace. Loyalists, in favour of remaining in the Now, Brexit has challenged that, UK-. particularly in case of a ‘no deal’. Even though Northern Ireland In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement “This isn’t just about trade and voted to remain in the EU, it will leave put an end to the thirty years of conflict tariffs,” Peter Sheridan, a former the bloc with the rest of the UK at the and provided the divided society with police officer during the Troubles end of March. In a widely-divided the possibility of choosing whether turned CEO of Co-Operation Ireland, a post-conflict society, Brexit has only they felt British, Irish or both. increased the polarisation. The agreement, together with Continued on Page 16 16 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Continued from Page 15 the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), town was the second most bombed site disagrees. after the hotel Europa in Belfast- but peacebuilding charity, told EURACTIV, “People here will continue to be for the past twenty years, Belleek has “This, here, in Northern Ireland, is comfortable with the constitutional lived in peace and people crossed daily about identity.” status quo, which is Northern Ireland from one side to other, almost without as part of the United Kingdom,” Lyons realising. A BARRIER TO PEACE said. However, villagers fear Brexit However, Unionists are concerned might change that. Wherever you try to put a border about the potential implications of “If there is a hard Brexit, it is going – the Irish sea or in the landmark Brexit as well. They claim the backstop to be devastating; but even if it is what between Northern Ireland and the is a threat to their own identity too. they call a soft Brexit, it is not going Republic- “you create the possibility The backstop is an emergency to be good for the people here living in peoples’ minds of a semi-detached solution included in the current on the border,” said John Feely, a status for their community,” Sheridan Withdrawal Agreement that would councillor for the Sinn Fein in Belleek. pointed out. see Northern Ireland staying aligned Belleek is only one of the As the UK is about to leave the to some rules of the EU single market, 208 crossing points along the Union, the Republicans in Northern while the whole of Great Britain would 500-kilometre border between Ireland feel they are being pulled away be part of a customs union. Northern Ireland and Ireland. During from Ireland. A no-deal Brexit could Although it would only be the conflict, police and military be disastrous in this sense. triggered if London and Brussels are would patrol the area and bombs and Members of the Republican Sinn unable to find an agreement on their shootings would regularly target the Fein have asked for a referendum future relationship by the end of the area. on the reunification of Ireland. The two-year transition period after Brexit, When people in Northern Ireland provision for the vote is included Unionists oppose this solution because hear someone in Brussels, London or in the Good Friday Agreement, it would mean separating Northern Dublin talking about a “hard border,” intended as a potential solution for the Ireland from Britain “constitutionally that is what comes to their minds. constitutional issues that remain to be and economically”, Lyons argued. “If they bring back a hard border, tackled between the two communities. However, in Dublin, there is no appetite for that debate as they do not think the conditions have quite been met. The Irish government is aware that, while this is probably the only historic opportunity to carry on with the reunification, opening up that discussion would only increase the tension Brexit has re-created. They feel that preserving the status quo might be the best way to ensure peace. Unionist, of course, agree. “The last thing we need at the minute given Video: http://eurac.tv/9Q2g the current difficulties is a border poll, which will only further divide the communities,” Tom Roberts, director LIFE AT THE BORDER they will bring back the guns,” a of the Ex-Prisoners Interpretative resident of Belleek who would rather Centre, told EURACTIV. Belleek is a small village in not be identified told EURACTIV. Republican voices, though, claim Northern Ireland, in the westernmost The concerns over a potentially that many Unionist would value their corner of the UK, the final frontier, violent reaction to Brexit are common, European citizenship over their British only separated from the Republic of particularly in the border areas. In one if asked, now that the UK is leaving Ireland by a small stone bridge. a post-conflict zone, characterised the EU. But Gordon Lyons, a member The place was heavily affected by of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Troubles – the Carlton Hotel in the Continued on Page 17 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV 17
Continued from Page 16 facility would be “a reminder of Assembly for Northern Ireland, who painful, traumatic experiences and contributed to the peace process. by a strong division between two as a symbol of regression in cross- The current political situation is a communities, talking about bringing border relations and, more broadly, in reflection of that polarisation as two back the fences is a source of deep relations between the UK and Ireland,” years after the elections, the political anxiety and nervousness. a study of the Queen’s University of forces in the Assembly have been During the conflict, the area was Belfast revealed. unable to form a government. heavily militarised. Today, there is barely a sign that warns you of the border crossing. Whatever the outcome of the Article 50 negotiation, the consequences will be more strongly felt here. “I would say that violence is not inevitable. It is a matter of choice by people. But having said that, the history of this place is that the border has always been a source of social conflict,” Sheridan explained. “We can’t build a policy on the basis of terrorism,” the former police officer insisted. However, he admitted, and Video: http://eurac.tv/9Q2h here is the difficulty, that politicians need to avoid giving terrorists “any potential that allows them to grow BREXIT: A THREAT TO Brexit has come as “an unwelcome their organisations”. PEACE? layer of complexity on top of the Here, avoiding a physical border is complexities we already have,” said key. “You never start with the intention Whoever has walked down the Tom Roberts, director of the Ex- of having twelve army watch and streets of Belfast or Derry-Londonderry Prisoners Interpretative Centre and helicopters basis but it is how security would have seen the legacy of the former member of the Ulster Volunteer builds up, in response to events or conflict that remains visible. Force, a loyalist paramilitary group. attacks,” Sheridan explained. The memories of the Troubles “The peace process is all about “It is not now, or next year or the are carved in the walls painted with momentum and moving forward, year after, it is how it looks in ten years’ murals that honour the members of not looking back. And unfortunately, time,” he stressed. the Independent Republican Army Brexit has that chance of making us Colum Eastwood, a leader of the (IRA) in the Catholic neighbourhoods, move back,” Joh Feely (Sinn Fein) said. Social Democratic and Labour Party or the paramilitary loyalist groups in Some in Northern Ireland feel (SDLP) and representative for the the protestant hoods. abandoned by London and accuse Derry-Londonderry, once at the heart The fences that used to separate British politicians of underestimating of the Troubles, shared this concern. the Protestant from the Catholic the impact of Brexit on peace in the “What we saw during the Troubles neighbourhoods are still partially region. They thank the EU and Dublin was 20,000 British troops trying to in place, physically but also for their commitment to preserving secure the border. They couldn’t do psychologically. In spite of the efforts the Good Friday Agreement. it but they had a huge impact on the of the past twenty years, Northern Others, however, accuse the Irish daily lives of people here. We just have Ireland remains a divided society and government of being ‘hardline’ in their to be very careful,” Eastwood said. Brexit has come as a threat to the defence of the backstop and claim they As the Irish border becomes fragile equilibrium. have fallen under the pressure of the an external border of the EU, the “The polarisation of society into Sinn Fein, whose ultimate objective is psychological impact of building any British and Irish, as a result of Brexit, a united Ireland. form of a barrier for a population that could do harm to all that has been Even in their perception of the was devastated by decades of armed done until now,” said Jane Morrice, Article 50 negotiation, Northern Irish conflict, is incalculable. member of the Economic and Social For many people, any physical Committee and former member of the Continued on Page 18 18 25 - 28 FEB. 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | VOICES FROM THE REGIONS: BREXIT IMPACT ALONG THE IRISH BORDER | EURACTIV
Continued from Page 17 to violence,” Roberts told EURACTIV. in Carrickfergus, was brought up “Having said that, it is wise not to be Protestant and forced to move out people are divided. complacent because, when I was a of Belfast during the Troubles. She young man, many years ago, I didn’t is now part of a cross-community THE FEAR OF VIOLENCE think we would slide into violence organisation in her town of residence either,” he pointed out. and defends the need to keep the peace More than 3,000 people were “We need to be careful about how that has been built over the years. killed and thousands were injured we deal with the current situation.” “We’ve come so far in 15 years… We during more than thirty years of the The threat of a violent response in don’t want to go backwards. We want Troubles. As recently as in January, case the circumstances change as a to move forward.” there was a car bomb attack in Derry- result of Brexit remains a possibility, Londondonderry, luckily, without not only because of a ramped up victims. polarisation in the society but also “None of us believes we could ever because of the change to the status go back to those days,” Jane Morrice quo that would come with the UK said. leaving the EU. “The conditions that led to the “I think it is up to the politicians to conflict back in 1969 and 1970 no make sure it doesn’t happen again… longer pertain,” Sinn Fein councillor And that takes strong leadership and former member of the IRA, and maybe we don’t have strong Seanna Walsh, said, “that whole sort of good leadership,” said Cathy Wolfs of background has changed completely.” the women’s organisation the Next While Walsh considered that there Chapter. are some issues related to the conflict’s Violence is always a possibility, legacy that still need to be solved, he Councillor Feely admitted. “It is going does not believe the conditions are to be up to people like myself and other there to justify an armed response, community leaders to ensure that no “but who can say what’s going to matter what kind of Brexit comes, we happen in the future?” keep a lid on it,” he agreed. Tom Roberts, director of the Ex- “The peace process took a very Prisoners Interpretative Centre and long time to build,” Colum Eastwood former member of the Ulster Volunteer recalled, and Brexit threatens to bring Force, a loyalist paramilitary group, it all back. “We don’t want to overstate has a similar position. that, but it is a possibility. And why “I don’t see any pieces of evidence, would we even risk it?” Eastwood certainly within the Unionist-loyalist wondered. community, of an appetite for a return Patricia McCormack, a resident
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