Brexit has been one of the most discussed events in European politics in recent years. Whether you are a supporter of the Withdrawal Agreement or not, the reality is that the UK has left the European Union (EU). However, the consequences and impact of this decision are still being felt. Many questions remain unanswered, such as what the UK’s relationship with the EU will look like in the future. In this article, we will discuss the agreement between the UK and the EU after Brexit.
The UK and the EU reached a Withdrawal Agreement in October 2019, which was later revised in January 2020. The agreement outlines the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU. The deal covers several areas, including citizens’ rights, financial settlements, and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
One of the key aspects of the agreement is the status of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in the EU. The agreement guarantees the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in the EU. This includes the right to work, study, and access healthcare. The agreement also provides a grace period for EU citizens to apply for settled status in the UK.
The financial settlement is another crucial part of the agreement. The UK will pay its outstanding financial obligations to the EU, which includes contributions to the EU budget, ongoing programs, and pensions. The amount will be paid over several years, with the final payment due in 2064.
The Northern Ireland Protocol is perhaps the most controversial part of the agreement. It aims to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland in the EU’s customs union and single market. This means there will be checks on goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The protocol has been a source of tension between the UK and the EU, particularly around the implementation of checks.
The agreement also includes a transition period, which ended on December 31, 2020. During this period, the UK continued to follow EU rules and regulations, while negotiations took place on the future UK-EU relationship. As of January 1, 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the EU, and the transition period has ended.
In conclusion, the agreement between the UK and the EU after Brexit provides clarity on the terms of the UK’s departure and the future relationship between the two entities. The agreement covers several areas, including citizens’ rights, financial settlements, and the Northern Ireland Protocol. While the implementation of some aspects of the agreement has been challenging, the deal provides a framework for the UK and the EU to move forward.