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After months of tough negotiations, there is white smoke on the issue of the UK’s agreement to exit the European Union. Just seven days before the deadline, Brussels and London finally reached an understanding for an orderly withdrawal of Britain from the European bloc, various sources, including the BBC and Reuters, announce.
Both parties were satisfied with the agreement, although the British side was obviously more euphoric. Boris Johnson spoke of the “largest free trade agreement in history”, something that had already underlined a statement issued by Downing Street.
“The deal is great for families and businesses across the UK. We signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas that had never been reached with the EU, ”the statement read.
On the European side, satisfaction with the agreement contrasts with sadness at the departure of an ally such as the British from the European project.
“At the end of successful negotiations in Germany, I generally feel joy. Today I must confess that I feel calm, satisfied and relieved, “said Ursula von der Leyen at the press conference on Thursday when she addressed the issue.
Even so, the European leader guaranteed that European interests are safeguarded in the fracture issues that marked the last months of negotiations, namely the guarantee of fair competition and in fisheries policy.
“The EU and the United Kingdom will continue to work side by side to achieve their common goals,” said the president of the European Commission, who also assured that “European rules and standards will be respected.”
Supporting the statements of the European leader, the main negotiator of the European bloc for this process was also relieved, although saddened by the departure of the British.
“Today is a day of relief, but also of some sadness, when we compare what we had for this process with what follows,” said Michel Barnier.
This agreement reached at the last minute prevents the disorderly exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, something that was feared could have chaotic consequences for both economies, especially because of the deep trade links between the two blocs. Still, there appears to be more distance between the two economies than would be expected when the vote dictated Britain’s exit from the European project.
[notícia atualizada às 16h08]
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