The European Union and the United Kingdom have resolved their differences over the withdrawal agreement. The British government pledges to withdraw the portions of the so-called Brexit that violate that agreement. The portions had angered Brussels.
Conflict over the law impeded the negotiation of a trade deal. This agreement should come into effect once the British practically leave the European Union on January 1. “There is agreement in principle on all issues,” British Minister Michael Gove now said. Also across the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, where the European Union and the United Kingdom have clashed.
The UK’s intention to break parts of the Withdrawal Agreement has been a major point of contention between the EU and the UK. Brussels even warned that a trade deal would not be possible if the terms were left in place.
European Commission Vice President Marus Sivkovic said Tuesday’s agreement means that the withdrawal agreement could go into effect on January 1.
However, this does not mean that there is also an agreement regarding the future business relationship. The UK and the EU are still in a secret meeting on the matter, with fisheries, stewardship and equal opportunity being a stumbling block.
The United Kingdom exited the European Union since January 31, 2020. However, there is currently still a transition phase that will end at the end of this month. London and Brussels are hoping to reach a trade agreement before then.
