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FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
FROM LONDON – Historic Post-Brexit Agreement between Britain and the European Union: the dreaded “no agreement” was avoided, a traumatic divorce that would have materialized on December 31 with strong economic and political repercussions. London and Brussels have concluded a free trade agreement worth 700 billion a year, the most important ever achieved for both parties. Boris Johnson claimed success, stating that his country has “regained control” in all areas and that his government has fulfilled all the promises made to the British public in the referendum four years ago: “We have kept all the red lines on the recovery of the sovereignty, “he declared. The negotiations concluded last night and the final hours were spent filing the final details of the text.
The turning point was directly impressed by Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen: In recent days, the British Prime Minister and the President of the EU Commission have taken personally in negotiations and in constant telephone contact. Boris needed a deal. The mismanagement of the pandemic has devastated his popularity and the most recent emergency caused by the new variant of the coronavirus has taken away any room for maneuver. Now he has something concrete to show and will do anything to sell the deal as a London win. and a full recovery of national sovereignty. However, the agreement reached boils down to the bone: in essence prevents a return to tariffs on goods and keeps cooperation on crime and security open, but go our services, which make up the bulk of what Great Britain “sells” to the Union. Negotiations ran aground on the issue fair competition, notably on state aid, and fishing in UK waters. On both issues, however, a compromise was finally reached allowing London to diverge from European norms (which is the ultimate goal of Brexit) and Brussels to obtain guarantees against unfair competition.
The photo posted by Johnson on Twitter to announce the achievement of the Brexit agreement with Brussels
But what happens now? The British government will deploy 1,100 additional immigration and customs officers. In the worst case, it is feared that up to 7,000 trucks could be bottled on the British motorways leading to Dover and other ports, due to customs controls that will continue to be introduced by European countries from January 1 (Britain has decided instead wait until next July 1 before applying them).
University and research
The british government left the Erasmus program. Starting next year, European students will have to apply for a visa and university fees will double, up to € 30,000 per year, because they will be adjusted to what non-European students already pay. For young people already in Britain to study before December 31, nothing changes.
Immigration and tourism
As of January 1, the new immigration system in Great Britain comes into force. Those arriving for work must have a visa, obtainable only if you already have an offer in your pocket and an expected salary of at least 25,600 pounds (about 28,000 euros, less in the case of essential jobs such as in the health sector). Discounts are also available for those with a PhD (especially in science subjects), while it will be much more difficult to come to London to work as waiters or shop assistants, like so many young Italians in the past. Tourists will not need a visa, but a passport will be required and you will not be able to stay for more than three months.
Finance and currency
The agreement does not cover the financial sector, but in the city, many companies have already been remedied by moving activities and personnel to EuropeHowever, the exodus of bankers and fund managers from London has so far been limited, not exceeding 4% of the total. Instead, a drain on UK-made mutual funds, which have seen more than $ 2 billion withdrawn from their portfolios. Italy Last year, trade between Italy and Great Britain was around 30 billion, with 20 billion from our exports and 10 billion from imports (thus a largely positive balance). This year, the pandemic saw volumes shrink by around 20 percent, but 2020 should still close with a trade of around 25 billion. Many companies will have to adapt to the new customs regime, which in any case entails an increase in costs.
The yes of parliaments
The agreement must go through parliamentary ratifications. We already know Westminster will meet in extraordinary session on December 30while the European Parliament seems more recalcitrant and asks for more time to review the agreement carefully. However, this will not trigger the “no deal” on January 1: the agreement will be applied on a provisional basis, pending the final approval of Strasbourg. In the darkest year of the new century, a last minute Christmas present.
December 24, 2020 (change December 24, 2020 | 17:09)
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