EU-UK: a deal is most welcome

Today the European Union and the United Kingdom concluded a long-awaited agreement that will govern their future relationship. As we are approaching the end of the transition period, both sides should do the necessary to allow the deal to be applied as of 1 January 2021.

BusinessEurope President Pierre Gattaz said: "This agreement has been difficult to achieve but it is very welcome by business. It brings legal certainty and mitigates the impact of the end of the transition period. This is particularly important at a time when companies are struggling with the pressing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Negotiators have worked hard to deliver a deal. Since there is little time available, both sides must work to ensure the new framework that will govern EU-UK relations is applied as of 1 January 2021."

He added: "As there is little time for companies to be aware and prepare for the deal, some disruptions will occur. It is important that both sides work together to mitigate them. The agreement must be a solid platform for future cooperation between the EU and the UK in a number of areas that have a strong impact on our competitive environment ranging from climate change to digital transformation, research and innovation, or standards."