After years of negotiations, the European Union and the United Kingdom have finally reached an agreement on Brexit. The deal, which was announced on December 24, 2020, will put an end to the uncertainty that has been hanging over both sides since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016.
The agreement covers a vast range of issues, including trade, security, and fisheries. One of the most significant aspects of the deal is that it will allow the UK to maintain access to the EU`s single market without being a member of the union. This will be a huge relief to businesses on both sides of the English Channel, which have been worried about the impact of a no-deal Brexit.
Under the terms of the agreement, there will be no tariffs or quotas on goods traded between the UK and the EU. However, there will be new customs checks and some red tape, which could cause some disruption to trade in the short term.
The deal also includes provisions for cooperation on security issues, such as counterterrorism and law enforcement. However, the UK will no longer have access to certain EU databases, which could make it harder to track criminals and terrorists.
One of the most contentious issues in the Brexit negotiations has been fisheries. The UK has insisted on taking back control of its waters, while the EU has wanted continued access to UK waters for its fishing fleets. The agreement reached allows EU boats to fish in UK waters for a transition period of five-and-a-half years, after which there will be annual negotiations on access and quotas.
Overall, the Brexit deal is a significant achievement for both sides. It will provide some certainty for businesses and individuals who have been living with the uncertainty of Brexit for several years. While there will be some short-term disruption and adjustment, the hope is that the long-term benefits of the deal will outweigh the costs.
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