The UK and EU agreement text, also known as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, is a document that outlines the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union after Brexit. This agreement was reached on December 24, 2020, and came into effect on January 1, 2021.
The agreement text covers a wide range of issues, including trade, fisheries, security, and cooperation. It is a complex document that runs to over 1,200 pages, and its contents have been the subject of much debate and analysis.
One of the key areas covered by the agreement text is trade. The UK and the EU have agreed to a tariff-free and quota-free trade relationship for goods, which means that there will be no tariffs or limits on the amount of goods that can be traded between the two parties. However, there will be some new customs procedures and checks, which are designed to ensure that goods meet the relevant standards and regulations.
Another important area of the agreement text is fisheries. The UK and the EU have agreed on a framework for cooperation on fisheries, which includes provisions for annual consultations and the management of shared stocks. The agreement also includes a transition period, during which EU fishing vessels will continue to have access to UK waters.
In addition to trade and fisheries, the agreement text also covers issues such as security and law enforcement cooperation. The UK and the EU have agreed to maintain cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, and the exchange of information on criminal activities.
Overall, the UK and EU agreement text represents a significant step forward in securing a stable and predictable future relationship between the two parties. While there will no doubt be challenges and disagreements in the future, this agreement provides a framework for continued cooperation and partnership. As the UK adapts to its new relationship with the EU, it will be important to keep a close eye on developments in this area, both in terms of the practical implementation of the agreement and the ongoing political dynamics at play.