European leaders have said that a United Ireland could rejoin the EU after Brexit, in the event of a vote for Irish reunification.
This would be not only possible but easy due to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, where north and south of Ireland have a right to unify if a majority agree north of the border.
“The European Council acknowledges that, in accordance with international law, the entire territory of such a united Ireland would thus be part of the European Union [in the event of Irish unification].” says the draft of the summit minutes.
Whilst the north has the potential follow the example of German reunification in 1990, public support for the move remains at a minimum.
A recent poll found that 62 percent would vote to remain in the UK, whilst only 22 percent would back a united Ireland.
“Northern Ireland’s constitutional position as part of the UK is based firmly and clearly on the freely given consent of its people. The UK government has consistently upheld the principle of consent regarding Northern Ireland’s future.” said a UK government source.
“It is clear that the majority of the people of Northern Ireland continue strongly to support the current political settlement, including Northern Ireland’s continuing position within the UK.”
Until then, however, it has been made clear that the possibility of a United Ireland will be a priority in Brexit talks.
“In order to protect the peace and reconciliation process described by the Good Friday Agreement, we should aim to avoid a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.” wrote Donald Tusk, European Council president, in a letter.
As the formal negotiations for Brexit are underway, the UK has had much criticism from EU leaders. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said UK politicians were living under the illusion that the Britain would retain most EU privileges after Brexit.
“I have to put it in such clear terms because unfortunately, I have the feeling that some in Britain still have illusions,” she told the Bundestag on Thursday.