EU and UK close Brexit deal at the last minute

Under pressure, everything becomes liquid, including the apparently rock-solid Brexit negotiations. Just before Christmas Eve, the European Union and the United Kingdom reached a deal. A hard Brexit now seems to have been definitively eliminated, preventing a lot of chaos in trade and logistics in 2021.

European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen is clearly pleased with the deal and speaks of 'fair' and 'just'. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is convinced that he can do well with the agreements made in his home country. "What has been promised to the British people in 2016 will deliver on this deal," he said in the statement. For a long time, the agreements on fishing rights were a stumbling block in the negotiations. Van der Leyen says that agreements have now been made about this for the next 5,5 years. 

Historical agreement
Shortly after the white smoke, the reactions pour in. CDA MEP Esther de Lange speaks of a relief for people and companies on both sides of the canal. The deal prevents chaos. The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, even speaks of a historic agreement, although he still regrets that the British have left the EU. 

The details of the agreement, as well as the impact on agricultural trade, will no doubt become clear at a later date.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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