“I
welcome the fact that a deal has been reached today on the future
relationship between the EU and UK which the Parliament will now
scrutinise in detail. The Parliament thanks and congratulates the EU and
UK negotiators for their intense efforts to reach, albeit at the last
minute, this historic agreement. Although I still deeply regret the UK’s
decision to leave the EU, I have always believed that a negotiated
settlement is in the best interests of both sides. This deal can now
form the basis for us to build a new partnership.
"In just a few days, EU law will no
longer apply in the UK. The UK government was clear that it wants to
leave the Single Market, Customs Union, and end free movement. Decisions
have consequences - travel and trade between the EU and UK will not be
as frictionless as before. It was also the choice of the UK government
not to allow for a smoother transition by an extension of the deadline
to reach an agreement.
"The Parliament welcomes the intense
dialogue and unprecedented exchanges and unity between the EU
institutions throughout the process. However, Parliament regrets that
the duration of the negotiations and the last-minute nature of the
agreement do not allow for proper parliamentary scrutiny before the end
of the year. The Parliament is now ready to react responsibly to
minimise disruption to citizens and businesses and prevent the chaos and
negative consequences of a no-deal scenario. The Parliament will
continue its work in the responsible committees and the full plenary
before deciding whether to give consent in the new year.
“Parliament has been clear from the
outset on our red lines and we have worked closely throughout the
negotiations with the EU’s chief negotiator, Mr Michel Barnier, who had
our full support. Parliament has consistently advocated for a fair and
comprehensive agreement and we are confident that our priorities are
reflected in this final deal. If the European Parliament decides to
approve the agreement, it will monitor closely how it is implemented.
"We would like to thank Vice President
Maroš Šefčovič for his work to ensure that the Withdrawal Agreement is
fully and faithfully upheld. For Parliament, protecting citizens’ rights
and avoiding a return to a hard border on the island of Ireland have
always been the priority.
"Regardless of Brexit, the EU and the UK
continue to share common values and interests. We are both Unions built
on democracy and respect for the rule of law and we face many common
challenges - from climate change to terrorism. This agreement is a
starting point on which to build our new partnership,” concluded
President Sassoli.
David McAllister (EPP,
DE), the head of the UK Coordination Group and Chair of the Committee on
Foreign Affairs added: “I would like to thank Michel Barnier for his
patient and tireless work. This is the end of a long and difficult
process four years after the British referendum. Many things will change
for the UK, since it will no longer participate in our Single Market
and Customs Union. The EU has achieved its main objective, namely to
preserve our unique model of integration and stability as well as to
protect the long-term interests of EU citizens and businesses."