The United Kingdom`s withdrawal from the European Union has been an ongoing topic of discussion since the Brexit referendum in 2016. After years of negotiations, a withdrawal agreement has finally been reached between the UK and the EU. In this article, we will provide you with the full text of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.
The Withdrawal Agreement consists of 185 pages and covers a wide array of topics, including the rights of citizens, the financial settlement, and the transition period. The agreement was signed by both the UK and the EU in January 2020 and was later ratified by both sides.
One of the most contentious issues during the negotiation of the withdrawal agreement was the Irish border. The agreement includes a controversial backstop provision, which ensures that there will be no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The provision states that if a future trade agreement is not reached by the end of the transition period, a single customs territory will be created between the EU and the UK, with Northern Ireland remaining aligned to certain EU rules.
The Withdrawal Agreement also includes provisions for the rights of EU and UK citizens living abroad. EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU will be allowed to continue to live and work in their home countries after the transition period. The agreement also includes provisions for family reunification and protection of social security rights.
Another important aspect of the withdrawal agreement is the financial settlement. The UK agreed to pay a settlement of approximately £39 billion to the EU to cover its outstanding financial obligations. This settlement is intended to cover the UK`s share of the EU`s budget commitments, pension liabilities, and other financial obligations.
The Withdrawal Agreement also provides for a transition period, during which the UK will continue to follow the rules of the EU. This period is set to end on December 31, 2020, but may be extended for up to two years if both parties agree.
In conclusion, the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement is a complex and expansive document. It covers a wide range of issues related to the UK`s exit from the EU and provides for a transition period during which the UK will continue to follow EU rules. The agreement is intended to provide certainty and stability for citizens, businesses, and governments during the UK`s departure from the EU. The full text of the agreement can be found online for those who wish to read it for themselves.