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Fishermen sort boxes of freshly caught fish in the port of Sete, France, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Boris Johnson officials believe that a Brexit trade deal could be reached in a few days if both parties continue to work in good faith. ? to resolve what the UK sees as the last major hurdle in the talks: fishing rights.
The EU and the UK finally agreed to a Brexit trade deal, but only after a last-minute dispute over fishing rights.
Some call it “Happy Brexmas” when the UK and the EU finally reach a Brexit trade deal.
The deal was confirmed at press conferences on Thursday (December 24) afternoon.
The director of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was the first to speak:
“So we finally reached an agreement, it was a long and winding road, but we have a lot to show. It is fair, it is a balanced deal and it is the correct and responsible thing for both parties. “
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the deal for giving the UK back control of its laws, borders and fishing waters.
Talks on a deal have gone to the end, with the UK leaving the single market and customs union at the end of the month.
Sources in London and Brussels said overnight that a deal was near.
But the press conferences scheduled for Thursday morning never took place.
EU sources said the dispute over fishing quotas was to blame, only for a deal to eventually slip out of line.
That should include an agreement on other sticking points, such as how to ensure a level playing field for competition between the two parties.
An agreement will avoid the possibility of both sides imposing widespread import taxes on January 1.
It also covers topics such as security, transportation, and energy.
But even with an agreement, companies will face new red tape and new costs.
It seems certain that there will be more disruptions at the ports.
But most economists say the no-deal alternative seemed much worse.
