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From the perspective of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the final break with the European Union is a milestone for his country. “This is a great moment for this country. We have freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it, ”Johnson said in his New Year’s address to the British people.
On Friday night, after an 11-month Brexit transition phase, Britain also leaves the EU internal market and customs union. His country could now do things differently, Johnson promised, “and if necessary, better than our friends in the EU.”
Johnson dreams of a “scientific superpower”
Britain will in the future be an “open, generous” and internationally oriented country committed to free trade. The country could conclude “trade agreements around the world” and become a “scientific superpower.”
Johnson also spoke about the many sacrifices and restrictions that the coronavirus pandemic had brought with it. Vaccine development has rekindled hope, Johnson said. But there is a “tough fight” ahead, he said with a view to the spread of the recently discovered corona mutation.
French President Emmanuel Macron used his New Year’s speech to shake hands with the British despite the split. “The UK remains our neighbor, our friend and our ally,” Macron said.
After 47 years of membership, Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020. The trade and association agreement negotiated with the EU at the last minute is now aimed at avoiding a hard break.
The most important point is that no customs duties or quantity restrictions will be applied in the trade of goods. In addition, the nearly 1,250-page contract regulates many other issues, including fisheries and cooperation in energy, transport, justice and police. As a result, Britain continues to be bound by European standards in several areas.
Still, there are big changes. In future, controls will be necessary at the borders because the rules have to be checked, even for agricultural products. For citizens, the ability to simply move is over. Visa-free travel will also be time-limited in the future.
