When Does the Withdrawal Agreement End?
The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union has been a long and complicated process. In 2018, the UK and the EU agreed to a withdrawal agreement that outlined the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU. This agreement has been in force since January 31, 2020. But when does it end?
The withdrawal agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2020. This date was agreed upon by both the UK and the EU in the withdrawal agreement. The purpose of this deadline was to give both sides enough time to negotiate a new trade deal that would govern their future relationship.
Unfortunately, negotiations between the UK and the EU on a new trade deal have been challenging. As of mid-September 2020, the two sides had not been able to agree on several key issues, including access to fishing waters, competition rules, and the role of the European Court of Justice.
If a new trade deal is not reached before the withdrawal agreement expires, the UK will leave the EU without a trade deal. This would have significant implications for businesses and individuals on both sides of the English Channel.
A no-deal Brexit would mean that trade between the UK and the EU would be governed by World Trade Organization rules. This would mean that tariffs and customs checks would be applied to goods crossing the border between the UK and the EU, which would increase costs and lead to delays at ports.
In addition, a no-deal Brexit would mean that UK citizens would lose their rights to live and work in the EU, while EU citizens would lose their rights to live and work in the UK. This could lead to significant disruption for businesses that rely on cross-border talent.
Overall, the end of the withdrawal agreement on December 31, 2020, marks a critical moment in the history of the UK and the EU. Both sides are working hard to reach a new trade deal, but the negotiations are complex and there is no guarantee of success. As the deadline approaches, businesses and individuals on both sides of the English Channel are holding their breath. Only time will tell what the future holds.