David Phinnemore
@dphinnemore.bsky.social
Professor of European Politics, Queen's University Belfast. EU politics, treaty reform, enlargement, Brexit/Protocol/Windsor Framework
EU(27) moving towards adoption of mandates for negotiations on SPS and ETS agreements with the UK.
data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
November 11, 2025 at 7:12 AM
EU(27) moving towards adoption of mandates for negotiations on SPS and ETS agreements with the UK.
data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document...
“The overall result for the six month period is that 96% of the value of goods moved under freight did so within the Internal Market system. The UK Government’s Internal Market Guarantee of 80% has therefore been met for this period.’
Caveats and recommendations
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Caveats and recommendations
www.gov.uk/government/p...
November 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
“The overall result for the six month period is that 96% of the value of goods moved under freight did so within the Internal Market system. The UK Government’s Internal Market Guarantee of 80% has therefore been met for this period.’
Caveats and recommendations
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Caveats and recommendations
www.gov.uk/government/p...
“Member states on Friday postponed signing off their mandate for [an SPS] deal and for the terms of the UK’s re entry to the single energy market...
“The delay was caused by divisions over whether the UK should pay into the EU’s regional funds…
“A majority…
www.ft.com/content/03ef...
“The delay was caused by divisions over whether the UK should pay into the EU’s regional funds…
“A majority…
www.ft.com/content/03ef...
Von der Leyen dodged Starmer request for meeting on EU money demands
European Commission president had ‘scheduling’ issues at COP30 summit in Brazil and did not meet the UK premier
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:35 AM
“Member states on Friday postponed signing off their mandate for [an SPS] deal and for the terms of the UK’s re entry to the single energy market...
“The delay was caused by divisions over whether the UK should pay into the EU’s regional funds…
“A majority…
www.ft.com/content/03ef...
“The delay was caused by divisions over whether the UK should pay into the EU’s regional funds…
“A majority…
www.ft.com/content/03ef...
November 7, 2025 at 7:33 AM
From the EU-UK ‘Common Understanding’ in May:
“32. The SPS Agreement should provide for an appropriate financial contribution from the United Kingdom to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area.”
“32. The SPS Agreement should provide for an appropriate financial contribution from the United Kingdom to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area.”
EU demands UK pay into budget as part of relationship ‘reset’
Growing tension between London and Brussels just six months after summit set out to build stronger ties
on.ft.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:18 AM
From the EU-UK ‘Common Understanding’ in May:
“32. The SPS Agreement should provide for an appropriate financial contribution from the United Kingdom to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area.”
“32. The SPS Agreement should provide for an appropriate financial contribution from the United Kingdom to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area.”
Out today, the findings of latest polling of NI voters' views on Brexit, the Windsor Framework and UK-EU relations.
While most voters in Northern Ireland are either generally accepting or supportive of the Windsor Framework, overall support has weakened...
www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-b...
While most voters in Northern Ireland are either generally accepting or supportive of the Windsor Framework, overall support has weakened...
www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-b...
October 24, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Out today, the findings of latest polling of NI voters' views on Brexit, the Windsor Framework and UK-EU relations.
While most voters in Northern Ireland are either generally accepting or supportive of the Windsor Framework, overall support has weakened...
www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-b...
While most voters in Northern Ireland are either generally accepting or supportive of the Windsor Framework, overall support has weakened...
www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-b...
House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee first report published.
"labyrinthine complexity of the institutional architecture of the Windsor Framework makes it impossible for stakeholders to navigate"
A detailed report.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/76...
"labyrinthine complexity of the institutional architecture of the Windsor Framework makes it impossible for stakeholders to navigate"
A detailed report.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/76...
Urgent action needed to fix overwhelmingly complex Windsor Framework arrangements, Lords Committee warn - Committees - UK Parliament
Today the Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee publishes its first report following its inquiry on Strengthening Northern Ireland’s Voice in the Context of the Windsor Framework, issuing a strong...
committees.parliament.uk
October 15, 2025 at 6:26 AM
House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee first report published.
"labyrinthine complexity of the institutional architecture of the Windsor Framework makes it impossible for stakeholders to navigate"
A detailed report.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/76...
"labyrinthine complexity of the institutional architecture of the Windsor Framework makes it impossible for stakeholders to navigate"
A detailed report.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/76...
Coverage striking for omitting any mention of some EU(27) Foreign Ministers attending and that meeting is part of the Berlin Process designed to 'increase cooperation between the Western Balkans Six and the Berlin Process host countries as well as the EU'. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yvette Cooper hosting Balkans security summit at Hillsborough
It will focus on preserving security and stability in the Western Balkans.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Coverage striking for omitting any mention of some EU(27) Foreign Ministers attending and that meeting is part of the Berlin Process designed to 'increase cooperation between the Western Balkans Six and the Berlin Process host countries as well as the EU'. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
NI as testbed for UK to demonstrate it can meet obligations towards the EU.
www.ft.com/content/7238...
www.ft.com/content/7238...
EU warns UK must improve NI border checks before veterinary deal is signed
Officials say London must comply before it can start serious talks on a sweeping agrifood agreement
www.ft.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:01 AM
NI as testbed for UK to demonstrate it can meet obligations towards the EU.
www.ft.com/content/7238...
www.ft.com/content/7238...
Interested in what voters in Northern Ireland currently think about Brexit, the Windsor Framework and UK-EU relations?
Join @katyhayward.bsky.social and me on Friday 24 October as we present the findings from our latest polling with @lucidtalk.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/post-brexi...
Join @katyhayward.bsky.social and me on Friday 24 October as we present the findings from our latest polling with @lucidtalk.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/post-brexi...
Post-Brexit Clinic at Queen's - October 2025
Join us online for our latest Post-Brexit Clinic for updates on the Protocol/Windsor Framework.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Interested in what voters in Northern Ireland currently think about Brexit, the Windsor Framework and UK-EU relations?
Join @katyhayward.bsky.social and me on Friday 24 October as we present the findings from our latest polling with @lucidtalk.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/post-brexi...
Join @katyhayward.bsky.social and me on Friday 24 October as we present the findings from our latest polling with @lucidtalk.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/post-brexi...
📢 Call for Proposals
CES is pleased to invite submissions for its 32nd International Conference of Europeanists, to be held in Dublin, June 16–18, 2025.
For more information about the Conference Theme and how to apply visit: councilforeuropeanstudies.org/conferences/...
CES is pleased to invite submissions for its 32nd International Conference of Europeanists, to be held in Dublin, June 16–18, 2025.
For more information about the Conference Theme and how to apply visit: councilforeuropeanstudies.org/conferences/...
October 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Sefcovic: “Based on the trust we have rebuilt over the last years, I’m convinced that we can proceed with the SPS negotiations very quickly. We are now very well advanced in getting the mandate from the member states to do that.”
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
Talks on food and meat sales between EU and UK could be completed ‘in less than a year’
It had been understood that they could take until 2027
www.irishtimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Sefcovic: “Based on the trust we have rebuilt over the last years, I’m convinced that we can proceed with the SPS negotiations very quickly. We are now very well advanced in getting the mandate from the member states to do that.”
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
www.irishtimes.com/business/202...
‘Polling commissioned by POLITICO shows the government’s agri-food deal agreed in principle with Brussels is popular with Remainers and Leavers alike — even when they're told it means following EU rules.
‘Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of voters back the deal…
‘Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of voters back the deal…
October 3, 2025 at 6:35 AM
‘Polling commissioned by POLITICO shows the government’s agri-food deal agreed in principle with Brussels is popular with Remainers and Leavers alike — even when they're told it means following EU rules.
‘Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of voters back the deal…
‘Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of voters back the deal…
Joint Statement from today's EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework.
Work still to be done on 'full, timely and faithful' implementation.
More detail than in past statements
Value of stakeholder engagement flagged
commission.europa.eu/document/dow...
Work still to be done on 'full, timely and faithful' implementation.
More detail than in past statements
Value of stakeholder engagement flagged
commission.europa.eu/document/dow...
October 2, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Joint Statement from today's EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework.
Work still to be done on 'full, timely and faithful' implementation.
More detail than in past statements
Value of stakeholder engagement flagged
commission.europa.eu/document/dow...
Work still to be done on 'full, timely and faithful' implementation.
More detail than in past statements
Value of stakeholder engagement flagged
commission.europa.eu/document/dow...
Latest European Political Community summit in Copenhagen today.
'While the gathering hasn’t lived up to the hype set by Macron, most of those who spoke to POLITICO said it would be wrong to consider it a failure. Dialogue doesn’t hurt anyone, after all.'
www.politico.eu/article/macr...
'While the gathering hasn’t lived up to the hype set by Macron, most of those who spoke to POLITICO said it would be wrong to consider it a failure. Dialogue doesn’t hurt anyone, after all.'
www.politico.eu/article/macr...
Macron’s big European meeting is turning into a speed-dating exercise
The once-hyped European Political Community hasn’t produced major deliverables, but it’s still useful for dialogue and showcasing policy initiatives.
www.politico.eu
October 2, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Latest European Political Community summit in Copenhagen today.
'While the gathering hasn’t lived up to the hype set by Macron, most of those who spoke to POLITICO said it would be wrong to consider it a failure. Dialogue doesn’t hurt anyone, after all.'
www.politico.eu/article/macr...
'While the gathering hasn’t lived up to the hype set by Macron, most of those who spoke to POLITICO said it would be wrong to consider it a failure. Dialogue doesn’t hurt anyone, after all.'
www.politico.eu/article/macr...
Next meeting of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Windsor Framework meets tomorrow, 2 October 2025.
Agenda 👇 (same as for previous meeting in June)
commission.europa.eu/publications...
Agenda 👇 (same as for previous meeting in June)
commission.europa.eu/publications...
October 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Next meeting of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Windsor Framework meets tomorrow, 2 October 2025.
Agenda 👇 (same as for previous meeting in June)
commission.europa.eu/publications...
Agenda 👇 (same as for previous meeting in June)
commission.europa.eu/publications...
‘The plan faces pushback from several EU countries, including France, the Netherlands and Greece, … they would also be limiting their own ability to block membership bids they see as problematic… It’s important to the Greeks…to show they can hold up talks on…
www.politico.eu/article/hung...
www.politico.eu/article/hung...
Hungary’s Orbán has unlikely potential allies in bid to keep Ukraine out of the EU
Other European leaders may disagree with Hungary, but several support his right to veto EU membership bids at every step.
www.politico.eu
October 1, 2025 at 5:27 AM
‘The plan faces pushback from several EU countries, including France, the Netherlands and Greece, … they would also be limiting their own ability to block membership bids they see as problematic… It’s important to the Greeks…to show they can hold up talks on…
www.politico.eu/article/hung...
www.politico.eu/article/hung...
‘The European Commission has proposed adjusting its own rules to circumvent Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s veto by starting the technical work in several “clusters” even in the absence of a formal decision to open talks in those areas… officials said.’
www.ft.com/content/3642...
www.ft.com/content/3642...
EU moves to advance Ukraine’s accession by sidestepping Hungary
Brussels advises Kyiv to advance technical work despite Budapest holding up talks
www.ft.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:17 AM
‘The European Commission has proposed adjusting its own rules to circumvent Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s veto by starting the technical work in several “clusters” even in the absence of a formal decision to open talks in those areas… officials said.’
www.ft.com/content/3642...
www.ft.com/content/3642...
‘[The] Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured 50% of the vote, with most of the 1.6m votes counted, far ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc on under 25%. Turnout was 52%, higher than in recent years.’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Pro-EU party in Moldova set to win vote mired in claims of Russian interference
The election was seen as critical for Moldova's EU path, and President Maia Sandu warned the country's future was in danger.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 6:38 AM
‘[The] Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured 50% of the vote, with most of the 1.6m votes counted, far ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc on under 25%. Turnout was 52%, higher than in recent years.’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘Under Costa’s proposal, so-called negotiating clusters — key legal steps on the path to membership — could be opened with the assent of a qualified majority of EU countries rather than unanimous agreement. Closing a cluster would still require [unanimity]’
www.politico.eu/article/anto...
www.politico.eu/article/anto...
Costa seeks to bypass Orbán’s veto on Ukraine’s EU membership bid
Brussels’ rules requiring all 27 member countries to agree on new entrants will face scrutiny at a summit this week in Copenhagen.
www.politico.eu
September 29, 2025 at 6:26 AM
‘Under Costa’s proposal, so-called negotiating clusters — key legal steps on the path to membership — could be opened with the assent of a qualified majority of EU countries rather than unanimous agreement. Closing a cluster would still require [unanimity]’
www.politico.eu/article/anto...
www.politico.eu/article/anto...
“EU accession is both Moldova’s opportunity and its vulnerability. For citizens, it represents a way out of Russia’s grip and a path to stability. For Moscow, it is a make-or-break issue. Losing Moldova to Europe would expose weakness in what it considers…
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
Moldova’s Election Is a Test for Russian Influence in Europe
Moldova’s parliamentary election is make-or-break for the country’s European future. The outcome will test whether Chișinău will stay on the EU accession path or fall prey to Russia’s multi-domain int...
carnegieendowment.org
September 26, 2025 at 5:27 PM
“EU accession is both Moldova’s opportunity and its vulnerability. For citizens, it represents a way out of Russia’s grip and a path to stability. For Moscow, it is a make-or-break issue. Losing Moldova to Europe would expose weakness in what it considers…
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
"undecided voters and Russian vote-buying could tip the scales on Sunday. If PAS does not get the majority, which looks increasingly likely, experts predict it will be left without reliable coalition partners — and Champagne corks will be popping in the Kremlin"
www.politico.eu/article/maia...
www.politico.eu/article/maia...
EU and Russia on the ballot in Moldova’s existential election
Maia Sandu’s pro-European party fights to preserve its parliamentary majority as Russia ramps up vote-buying and disinformation campaigns.
www.politico.eu
September 25, 2025 at 9:39 AM
"undecided voters and Russian vote-buying could tip the scales on Sunday. If PAS does not get the majority, which looks increasingly likely, experts predict it will be left without reliable coalition partners — and Champagne corks will be popping in the Kremlin"
www.politico.eu/article/maia...
www.politico.eu/article/maia...
As so often the headline misleads
It's a question of 'may'.
And so much depends on each side's priorties, the trade offs they are willing to make and securing the requisite progress across a complex set of parallel negotiations.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
It's a question of 'may'.
And so much depends on each side's priorties, the trade offs they are willing to make and securing the requisite progress across a complex set of parallel negotiations.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
UK students get chance to study in Europe from January 2027 under new Erasmus deal
The EU is pushing for a rapid agreement for Britain to rejoin the student exchange scheme
inews.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 9:08 AM
As so often the headline misleads
It's a question of 'may'.
And so much depends on each side's priorties, the trade offs they are willing to make and securing the requisite progress across a complex set of parallel negotiations.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
It's a question of 'may'.
And so much depends on each side's priorties, the trade offs they are willing to make and securing the requisite progress across a complex set of parallel negotiations.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
"The Commission should abandon waiting for Member States’ unanimity at every single step in the negotiation process. This relatively recent practice has no basis in EU law and should be dropped" - Michael Emerson and @stevenblockmans.bsky.social at @ceps.eu
www.ceps.eu/ceps-publica...
www.ceps.eu/ceps-publica...
How to radically simplify and streamline the EU enlargement process – CEPS
Over the last year the EU’s enlargement process has seen the implementation of a new ‘gradual integration’ concept, allowing for some modest elements of single
www.ceps.eu
September 19, 2025 at 9:05 AM
"The Commission should abandon waiting for Member States’ unanimity at every single step in the negotiation process. This relatively recent practice has no basis in EU law and should be dropped" - Michael Emerson and @stevenblockmans.bsky.social at @ceps.eu
www.ceps.eu/ceps-publica...
www.ceps.eu/ceps-publica...
'A large majority of member states oppose restrictions on UK participation, as they want flexibility over defence procurement. One EU diplomat described the proposed 50% limit as “the classic French obsession”.'
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
France proposes ceiling on value of UK components in €150bn EU defence fund
Negotiations soon to begin on UK’s entry to Safe scheme, which it hopes will secure bigger role for its defence firms
www.theguardian.com
September 17, 2025 at 7:30 AM
'A large majority of member states oppose restrictions on UK participation, as they want flexibility over defence procurement. One EU diplomat described the proposed 50% limit as “the classic French obsession”.'
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...