evidence: The signing of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in December 2020 after a period of very intense negotiations, put an end to the uncertainty over the EU’s future relationship with the UK. [...] Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland [...] In February 2023, following many attempts by the Commission to address these difficulties, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed the Windsor Framework. It includes comprehensive solutions aimed at addressing the practical challenges faced by citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland. The solutions include new arrangements on customs, agri-food, medicines, VAT and excise, as well as specific participatory instruments designed to ensure that the voices of the people of Northern Ireland are better heard on specific issues. These new arrangements are underpinned by robust safeguards to ensure the integrity of the EU's Single Market, to which Northern Ireland has a unique access.