All 27 European Union ambassadors gave formal authorization for the United Kingdom’s Brexit proposal that was reached on Christmas Eve.
“Green light,” Sebastian Fischer, spokesperson for the German EU presidency, tweeted on Monday.
‼️Green light for #BrexitDeal: EU Ambassadors have unanimously approved the provisional application of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement as of January 1, 2021.
? Next step: Final adoption by use of written procedure. Deadline: Tomorrow, 15.00 hours. #TCA #COREPER ???? pic.twitter.com/k76Iei9xm0
— Sebastian Fischer (@SFischer_EU) December 28, 2020
Negotiators arrived at the agreement seven days before the Dec. 31 deadline, averting a potentially disastrous “no-deal” scenario that would have left the country’s trade status in international limbo. The deal is scheduled to be approved by the entire EU on Tuesday, and the U.K.’s House of Commons will ratify the agreement Wednesday.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson celebrated the development in a tweet after the vote was announced.
“Just spoken with @eucopresident Charles Michel. I welcomed the importance of the UK/EU Agreement as a new starting point for our relationship, between sovereign equals,” he said.
Just spoken with @eucopresident Charles Michel. I welcomed the importance of the UK/EU Agreement as a new starting point for our relationship, between sovereign equals.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 28, 2020
The proposal is not without logistical complications. In an interview with BBC News following the announcement of the EU ambassadors’ support, government Minister Michael Gove warned there would be “practical and procedural changes” associated with the transition away from EU membership.
“We know that there will be some disruption as we adjust to new ways of doing business with the EU, so it is vital that we all take the necessary action now,” Gove said.
While cautioning businesses to take the necessary action now, he remained optimistic about the government’s ability to aid those struggling to comply with the new regulations. “I’m sure there will be bumpy moments, but we are there in order to try to do everything we can to smooth the path,” he said.
