The United Kingdom`s (UK) exit from the European Union (EU) has been a long and contentious process. After years of negotiations, the Withdrawal Agreement was finally signed on January 31, 2020. This agreement marked the beginning of a transition period that was set to last until December 31, 2020.
During this transition period, the UK was still considered a member of the EU. However, the country was no longer able to participate in EU decision-making or hold positions within EU institutions. The purpose of this period was to allow the UK and the EU to establish their new relationship and negotiate future agreements.
One of the most significant aspects of the transition period was that it provided businesses and citizens with a sense of stability and certainty. It gave both parties time to adjust to the new reality and prepare for the changes that would come after the transition period ended. During this period, trade between the UK and the EU continued as usual, and the UK continued to follow EU laws and regulations.
One of the key features of the Withdrawal Agreement was the Northern Ireland Protocol, which aimed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This protocol introduced a customs border in the Irish Sea, meaning that goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain would be subject to EU regulations.
As the deadline for the end of the transition period approached, negotiations between the UK and the EU intensified. The two sides worked to reach agreements on a range of issues, including trade, security, and fishing rights. However, the negotiations were often fraught with tension, and progress was slow.
In the final days of the transition period, the UK and the EU finally reached a deal. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement was signed on December 30, 2020, just one day before the end of the transition period. The agreement established a new framework for the UK-EU relationship, including provisions on trade, fisheries, and security.
While the Trade and Cooperation Agreement provided some clarity and stability for businesses and citizens, there were still concerns about the potential impact of the UK`s departure from the EU. For example, some businesses were worried about increased bureaucracy and costs associated with new customs procedures. Meanwhile, citizens faced uncertainty about issues such as residency rights and healthcare coverage.
In conclusion, the transition period under the Withdrawal Agreement was a critical period in the UK`s departure from the EU. It provided much-needed certainty and stability for businesses and citizens while the UK and the EU negotiated their future relationship. While the Trade and Cooperation Agreement provided some clarity, it remains to be seen what the long-term impact of Brexit will be on the UK and the EU.