Brexit, agreement reached

Published on: 12/24/2020 4:04 PM

The Brexit deal has been reached. “The deal is done,” the British prime minister wrote in a tweet. Boris johnson, who posted a photo with both thumbs up.

STREET DOWNING – “Everything that was promised to the British in the 2016 referendum and last year’s elections was achieved with this agreement,” Downing Street commented. “We have regained control of our money, borders, laws, commerce and our fishing waters.” “The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses across the UK,” he says. “We signed the first trade agreement without tariffs and without quotas, a result never achieved in the EU. It is the largest agreement ever signed by both parties, includes swaps for 668 billion pounds (as of 2019)”, Downing Street said , underlining that “as of next January 1 we will have full political and economic independence.”

The agreement also ensures that Britain is no longer the satellite of the European Union, that we are no longer bound by EU rules, that the Court of Justice of the European Union will no longer have a role, and that we have achieved all goals. that We prepared to return sovereignty “, reads the Downing Street statement which ensures that” this great agreement was reached in record time and under extremely difficult conditions. ” “An immigration control system will give us back full control of who enters Britain and will end the free movement of people.”

The agreement “protects the integrity of our internal market and Northern Ireland’s place within this market.” “We made Brexit and we can enjoy the benefits of the fantastic opportunities available to us as an independent country, capable of entering into trade agreements with other partners around the world.”

JOHNSON – It is “a Canadian-style agreement” that will “protect jobs” in the UK and allow us “to regain control of our laws and our destiny,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although the debates have been “fierce”, the agreement “is a good deal for all of Europe” because “it will not be bad for the EU, in my opinion, to have a prosperous Britain on the doorstep,” said the British Prime Minister.

The trade relations agreement between London and European countries reached today in Brussels “will offer new stability to a relationship that is not always easy” with the European Union, said Boris Johnson. Then he addressed the European Union: “We will be your friends, allies, supporters and your first market. This country will continue to be culturally, historically, strategically and geologically united to Europe.”

FROM LEYEN – With the United Kingdom “we have reached a balanced agreement on the future relationship. The road has been long and tortuous, the negotiations have been very difficult. It is an agreement that has been worth fighting for: it will avoid enormous inconvenience to the workers” , travelers and business after January 1 ”, said the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in a press videoconference in Brussels.

“It protects the interests of the EU – continued von der Leyen – and I think it also benefits the UK. Lay a solid foundation for a new start with a long-time friend and it will ensure that we can finally get out of Brexit.” behind: Europe continues to advance ”. “We have made it clear that if the UK wants to access the single market without quotas or tariffs, then it is free to decide. If it follows the rules, well, there is a level playing field.” quotas and rights: there is a price to pay “, underlined the president of the European Commission, confirming that, as the co-president of the Greens Philippe Lamberts had anticipated, the agreement on the future relationship includes a mutual guarantee mechanism, to avoid that businesses British citizens can access the single market in violation of EU rules.

“We will continue to cooperate with the UK – added von der Leyen – in all areas of mutual interest, such as security, transport and climate change. We have secured 5 and a half years of full predictability for fishermen and strong incentives for the situation. . being so “. “This debate – he continued – has always been about sovereignty, but we must decide what sovereignty means in the 21st century. For me it is joining our forces, in a world full of great powers ”.

“It is time to turn the page and look to the future. The UK is a third country, but it remains a trusted partner and we have been allies for some time. We share the same values ​​and interests. The EU and the UK will be one. side by side. for our common global goals. ” Now that the negotiations are over, “I am relieved”, but “it is time to leave Brexit behind: our future is in Europe,” he concluded.

MICHEL – “The announcement of an agreement between the negotiators on the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom is a great step forward,” commented the President of the European Council through social networks. Charles Michel – Now the Council and Parliament will analyze it, before giving the green light. The unity of the EU 27 has been and will continue to be fundamental. “

SASSOLI – The agreement on the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom was found “in the last minute” and therefore there is not enough time for the European Parliament to analyze it properly before the end of 2020, confirmed the president of the Classroom David sassoli. The agreement may still enter into force provisionally and be considered by Parliament in 2021.

“I welcome – said Sassoli – the news that an agreement has been reached today on the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom, which will now be examined in detail by Parliament. Parliament thanks and congratulates the negotiators of the EU and UK for their efforts to reach a historic agreement, albeit at the last minute. ” “Although I deeply regret the UK’s decision to leave the EU,” he continued, “I have always been convinced that a negotiated solution was in the interests of both parties. This agreement lays the foundation for the start of a new partnership.”

“In a few days – continued Sassoli – European legislation will no longer be applicable to the United Kingdom. The UK government has been clear in the decision to abandon the single market, the customs union and end free movement. Decisions have consequences: mobility and trade between the EU and the UK will not be as smooth as before. Furthermore, it was the UK government’s decision not to allow a smoother transition by extending the deadline to reach a deal. “

“Parliament,” he added, “welcomes the intense dialogue, exchanges and unprecedented unity demonstrated by the European institutions throughout the negotiation process. However, Parliament regrets that the duration of the negotiations and the nature of the negotiations. Last minute agreements do not allow for adequate parliamentary scrutiny at the end of the year. “

“Parliament is now ready to react responsibly to minimize inconvenience to citizens and businesses and to avoid the chaos and negative consequences that would result from a ‘no deal’ scenario – he stressed – Parliament, thanks to its competent committees and during its plenary session, it will continue its examination work before deciding whether to consent in the new year ”.

“Parliament – Sassoli added – was clear from the beginning on what our key points were and, throughout the duration of the negotiations, we worked closely with the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, who enjoyed our full support. Parliament has always supported the need for a fair and comprehensive agreement and we are pleased that our priorities are reflected in the final agreement. If the European Parliament decides to approve the agreement, it will closely monitor its implementation. “

“We thank Vice President Maros Šefčovič – he continued – for the work done to ensure full and faithful compliance with the withdrawal agreement. Parliament will not accept any violation of citizens’ rights, as it will not accept the return to a physical border in the island. of Ireland “. “Regardless of Brexit, the EU and the UK will continue to share common values ​​and interests. We are both trade unions founded on democracy and respect for the rule of law and we face many common challenges, from climate change to terrorism. This agreement It is a starting point to start our new collaboration ”, he concluded.