The UK-EU Agreement: Everything You Need to Know According to Gov.UK

On December 31, 2020, at 11 pm GMT, the UK officially left the European Union. After a long and complicated process, the UK government and the European Commission successfully reached an agreement on the future relationship between both parties.

This agreement is crucial for both the UK and the EU, as it ensures that trade, security, and other crucial areas are maintained after Brexit. It also defines the rights of UK citizens living in the EU and vice versa.

The UK-EU agreement consists of many areas, including trade, security, transport, data protection, and energy. Here are some of the key details of the agreement, according to Gov.UK:

Trade

The UK and the EU have agreed on a free trade agreement, meaning that there will be no tariffs or quotas on goods traded between the two parties. However, there will be some new customs procedures, including the introduction of export declarations and mandatory safety and security certificates.

Security

The UK and the EU have also agreed on cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and criminal justice. The UK will continue to participate in Europol and Eurojust, as well as several EU databases.

Transport

The UK and the EU have agreed on the continued operation of air, road, and rail transport between the two parties. There will be no limits on flights or the number of passengers transported.

Data protection

The UK and the EU have agreed on the mutual recognition of data protection standards. This means that the UK will be able to share data with the EU without additional measures.

Energy

The UK and the EU have agreed to cooperate on energy, including the development and implementation of renewable energy sources. The UK will also continue to participate in the EU Emissions Trading System until the end of 2021.

Overall, the UK-EU agreement is a significant achievement for both parties, as it provides a framework for future cooperation after Brexit. However, there may be some challenges and adjustments during the transition period. Nevertheless, the agreement ensures that both the UK and the EU can continue to work together on shared goals and interests.