British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has highlighted the final break with the European Union as a milestone for his country. At the turn of the year, the UK is also leaving the EU internal market and the customs union after an eleven-month Brexit transition phase.
“This is a great moment for this country. We have freedom in our hands and it is now up to us to make the most of it, ”Johnson said on Thursday in his New Year address to the British people. Great Britain can now do things differently – “and if necessary better than our friends in the EU”.
47 years member
After 47 years of membership, Great Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020. The trade and partnership agreement negotiated with the EU at the last minute is now intended to avoid a hard break. The most important point is that no customs duties or quantity restrictions will apply in the trade in goods. In addition, the almost 1,250-page contract regulates many other topics, including fishing and cooperation in energy, transport, justice, and the police. As a result, Great Britain remains bound by European standards in several areas.
Still, there are big changes. In the future, controls will be necessary at borders because standards have to be checked, including for agricultural products. For citizens, the possibility of simply moving is over. The visa exemption for travel will also be limited in time in future.
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