LONDON – The UK has finally completed its economic separation from the European Union, embarking on a new era of greater freedom but increased isolation from its continental neighbors.
While Brexit was officially completed in January 2020, it was on Thursday the end of a transition period in which the United Kingdom followed all EU rules and regulations.
When the Big Ben struck London at 11pm – midnight Brussels time, the final outcome of the Brexit process came, to the delight of those who support Brexit, and the dismay of those who still fear the consequences. .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who campaigned for the UK to leave the EU, calls the new year a wonderful moment for this country. ‘
“We have our freedom in our hands, and it is up to us to make the most of it,” he said in a New Year’s video message.
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The EU is a political and economic club of 27 countries bound together by shared free trade rules, laws and values. The bloc was born in part out of the desire to never repeat the violence of World War II.
On 23 June 2016, the British people voted to leave the bloc by 52 to 48 per cent. Four years of national drama followed, while the mood exposed deep divisions across the country that shocked many and were difficult to cure.
During last year’s transition period, the UK maintained the same rules as the remaining 27 countries, while trying to negotiate a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU. a few days before the deadline of Thursday.
Now Britain has left the large internal market and customs union of the European bloc, allowing people, goods and services to flow freely across more than two dozen countries.
The new trade agreement removes most of the shared rules and regulations, but maintains free trade between the UK and the EU. It also maintains some co – operation in areas such as security, aviation and science.
But companies face new costs and paperwork, including customs declarations and border controls, and will have to devour the new rules imposed by the trade agreement.
Just like this year’s New Year celebrations, celebrations or gatherings to mourn the moment are muted because coronavirus restrictions mean most people have stayed home.
For some, Thursday will be remembered as the day the United Kingdom finally threw off the shackles of the Brussels bloc. For others, it will be regretted as the day Britain keeps itself busy, a leap into the unknown during a turbulent era as the world fights to control the coronavirus pandemic.
But the previous post-Brexit deal and Thursday’s deadline could mean some Britons start moving on. While some it is already campaigned to rejoin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
