Politicians in Northern Ireland could be given special dispensation in the European Parliament in preparation for a united Ireland.
The Telegraph has reported that more than a dozen MEPs have written to President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola requesting special “observer” status for NI representatives.
Observer status in the European Parliament allows non-member states or organisations to participate in certain activities without the right to vote.
Unionist politicians have opposed the proposal.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson told The Telegraph: “Northern Ireland needs freedom from EU shackles, not new ties to Brussels.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson questioned the witness (Peter Morrison/PA)
“This proposal is about symbolism rather than solutions for Northern Ireland traders.
“The United Kingdom already has official routes for engagement with the EU.”
The Telegraph obtained a leaked letter from the group, mainly composed of Irish MEPs.
They argue that the move “will be keeping the door open to the European project for the people of Northern Ireland” should reunification happen.
The letter was signed by several members of Sinn Féin.
The MEPs wrote: “We believe that the union should recognise this unique position and offer observer status to Northern Ireland political representatives in the European Parliament.”
They added: “This would require a request from the UK government, however, we see no reason why the European Parliament could not indicate its willingness to respond positively to such a request.”
Sinn Féin national chairman, Declan Kearney, told The Telegraph his party had long called for the observer status.
“We also want to see an EU office opened in this region. Our party has repeatedly made the case for both with EU commissioners, diplomats and senior politicians,” he said.
“We are committed to continuing to work with the EU to undo the damage caused by Brexit and ultimately deliver a united Ireland that fully restores our place in the European Union.”
During the Brexit negotiations in 2017, the Republic secured a guarantee from Brussels that NI would automatically rejoin the EU in the event of Irish unity.
A majority of the NI population voted against Brexit.
People born here are also entitled to an Irish passport under the Good Friday Agreement, meaning many still consider themselves EU citizens.
The Windsor Framework also remains in the single market for goods with the Irish MEPs saying the NI population should therefore have representation in EU institutions to “enhance democratic legitimacy and uphold the principles of the peace process.”
Sinn Féin wants a vote on reunification to be held by 2030.
President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. Photo: Getty
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The Good Friday Agreement states that a referendum must be called by the UK government if it “appears likely” a majority wants it.
However, NI Secretary Hilary Benn, recently poured cold water on the prospect of a border poll, saying is “way off in the distance”.
ahothabeth on November 20th, 2025 at 16:11 UTC »
Might there be a party in Northern Ireland that will complain about this. Don't Uder estimate Parochialism.
the_direful_spring on November 20th, 2025 at 14:34 UTC »
I'm not opposed to a referendum presay but it seems a bit premature no?
netowi on November 20th, 2025 at 14:08 UTC »
If Russia did this for the Donbass regions, people would correctly identify it as the irredentist nationalism that it is.
The nationalist claims of Irish politicians on their neighbor's territory should be scorned by politicians across Europe, but because Irish nationalism is coded as "progressive," it gets a free pass from left-leaning media and bureaucratic elites.