European Council, commission sign Brexit withdrawal agreement

Admin l Friday, January 24, 2020

BRUSSELS, Belgium – President of the European Council, President Charles Michel and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen today signed the Brexit withdrawal agreement on the UK in Brussels.

The Brexit, which is withdrawal of the UK from the European Union commenced with referendum in June 2016 during which 51.9 percent voted to leave the EU. The Brexit process is due to terminate not later than January 31, 2020.

Signing of the Brexit agreement has put machinery in place for the European Parliament to vote in the plenary come January 29.

According to the European Council, once the European parliament gives it consent, the Council will now adopt by written procedure, the decision of on the written conclusion of the agreement on behalf of the EU.

“On the 24th of January, 2020, President Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen signed the agreement on the withdrawal of the UK in Brussels.

EU ratification: next step

“The European Parliament Plenary will vote on 29 January. Once the Europan Parliament has given its consent, the Council will adopt, by written procedure, the decision on the written conclusion of the agreement on behalf of the EU”, the council said today.

Already, the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is already thinking of signing a new trade deal with the European Commission. At a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said, when he leaves the EU on January 31st, “we will negotiate a new free trade agreement with our European partners and continue to work together as friends and sovereign equals to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.