A hard-fought agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom finally puts an end to four years of bitter and acrimonious discussions. On 24 December, all the protagonists were singing their own praises. According to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, " It was worth fighting for this agreement because we now have a fair and balanced deal with the UK that will protect our European interests, ensure fair competition and bring much-needed predictability to our communities. We can finally put the Brexit behind us and look to the future", she explained.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed that "the many people told us that the challenges of the Covid pandemic made it impossible [ to negotiate.][…] So I'm delighted that we've concluded the biggest trade deal ever, worth £660 billion. This is a Canada-style comprehensive free trade agreement between the UK and the EU. "
A free trade agreement almost "as before"?
From 1 January, the United Kingdom will officially end its customs union with the European Union. And draws a final line under 47 years of integration into the European continent.
The new partnership between the two sovereign entities is reflected in a duty-free, quota-free free trade agreement for people, services and businesses. The UK is committed to respecting workers' and consumers' rights, protecting the environment, combating climate change and fiscal transparency.
The agreement also limits the tariffs that will be applied by customs, as a declaration will be compulsory for importing products and services. New rules will apply. For example, all products will have to be technically compatible on both sides of the Channel, and goods re-imported from third countries will have to be checked. Imports from the UK will also have to comply with European standards.
In services UK companies will only be able to continue to offer their services if they have a valid subsidiary based in the EU.
The financial services will be the subject of another agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The City of London is still far from certain to preserve its role as a financial hub for the whole of Europe.
The end of air cabotage rights
In the transport sector, all current British and European operators will continue to be able to operate between the two entities. companies will no longer be able to operate in fifth or sixth freedom beyond their respective territories. This would apply, for example, to an Easyjet UK flight between Lyon and Madrid or a British Airways flight from London to Bangkok via Amsterdam.
From 1 January 2021, from new rules will apply for the protection for passengers travelling between the EU and the UK.
These EU air passenger rights will continue to apply to:
- flights from the UK to the EU operated by an EU airline.
- flights from the EU to the UK, whether the carrier is British or European.
On the other hand, British airlines will no longer apply European law to flights to the EU from the UK.
There is no no major changes to international rail or bus services. The latter will have to have operating certificates that comply with both European and British rules. French drivers should be able to use their French driving licence with an English translation.
Modest adjustments to the visa regime and health insurance
New rules are being introduced for personal mobility. No visa will be required for short-stay travellers to the UK or Europe. Simple professional visits, training courses, conferences, seminars and workshops are included in this rule.
There is full reciprocity between the UK and Europe. If a single EU nation is excluded, the agreement would be suspended. It should be noted, however, that the French national identity card will no longer be accepted after 1 October 2021.
The good news is that public health insurance services. In fact, the UK and the EU will continue to apply the current protocols. This means that an EU citizen temporarily residing in the UK will be entitled to the necessary healthcare. All they have to do is produce their European health insurance card.
The majority of social security benefits will be protected between the EU and the UK. Citizens will retain their rights if they work in several countries, one of which is the UK. Or if they live in one country and work in another. Accidents at work will also be covered.
However, there are a number of reasons for this, for people staying for long periods, additional insurance will be required.
Finally, you should be aware that the customs regime will be different with Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's customs regime is integrated into the European Union. This protocol allows unimpeded movement between the Republic of Ireland and Ulster.
Finally, there is also talk of a integration of Gibraltar into the Schengen area. This measure would simplify travel between this British colony and Spain.
