BREXIT, GREEN LIGHT FROM THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Parliament approved by a large majority (660 votes in favor, 5 against and 32 abstentions) the Trade & Cooperation Agreement, which regulates future EU-UK relations, as well as a resolution, which sets out Parliament’s assessment and expectations on the agreement.

The Trade & Cooperation Agreement, concluded between the EU and the UK in extremis on December 24, 2020, must find the conclusion of the formalities provided for its definitive and permanent application by April 30. The European Parliament has completed its work, with a broad approval of the text, which now will be examined by European Council for the final conclusion of the approval process. But MEPs went further, also voting on a resolution expressing their expectations on future EU-UK relations.  In the resolution, Parliament welcomes the TCA conclusion, which limits the negative consequences of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, considered a “historic mistake”, as no third country can enjoy the same benefits as an EU member.

However, MEPs regret the lack of common discipline of foreign, security and development policies; and also, they point to the peacekeeping in Ireland as one of the main objectives of future relationship, condemning the recent UK unilateral actions in breach of the Withdrawal Agreement.