The EC Europa Withdrawal Agreement Explained
The European Union and the United Kingdom have been negotiating the terms of Brexit ever since the UK voted to leave the EU in June 2016. After months of discussion, the EU and the UK finally reached a Withdrawal Agreement in November 2018. This agreement sets out the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU, and includes provisions for a transition period, citizens` rights, and the UK`s financial obligations to the EU.
The Withdrawal Agreement was ratified by the UK Parliament in January 2020, and by the EU in March 2020. The transition period began on February 1, 2020, and will end on December 31, 2020. During this time, the UK will continue to abide by EU laws and regulations, but will no longer have a say in EU decision-making.
One of the key provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement is the Irish backstop. This is a mechanism to ensure that there is no hard border between Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (which is an EU member state). The backstop is intended to be a temporary measure, but will remain in place until a permanent solution is found.
The Withdrawal Agreement also includes provisions for citizens` rights. EU citizens living in the UK, and UK citizens living in the EU, will be able to continue to live and work in their respective countries. They will also be able to access healthcare, education, and social security benefits in the same way as they do now.
Another key provision of the Withdrawal Agreement is the financial settlement. The UK will be required to pay a sum of money to the EU as a contribution towards the bloc`s ongoing budget commitments. The amount of this payment has been the subject of much debate, but is currently estimated to be around £33 billion.
Overall, the EC Europa Withdrawal Agreement is a complex and far-reaching document that sets out the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU. While the agreement has been ratified by both the UK and the EU, there are still many details to be worked out, particularly in relation to future trade arrangements. As such, the coming months and years are likely to see further negotiation and agreement between the two sides.