The United Kingdom Begins Post-Brexit Negotiations with the European Union

Date: March 2, 2020

On March 2, 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) formally commenced negotiations to define their future relationship following the UK’s departure from the EU, an event commonly known as Brexit. This marked a significant phase in the Brexit process, as both parties sought to establish new terms of cooperation in various domains, including trade, security, and regulatory alignment.

Context Leading Up to the Negotiations

• Brexit Referendum (2016): The journey towards these negotiations began with the UK’s referendum on June 23, 2016, where 52% of voters chose to leave the EU.

• Article 50 Triggered (2017): The UK government, led by then-Prime Minister Theresa May, triggered Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union on March 29, 2017, officially starting the two-year countdown to exit the EU.

• Withdrawal Agreement: After prolonged negotiations and political turmoil, the UK Parliament ratified the Withdrawal Agreement, allowing the UK to leave the EU on January 31, 2020. This agreement included a transition period until December 31, 2020, during which the UK remained in the EU’s single market and customs union while negotiations on the future relationship took place.

Key Aspects of the Negotiations

1. Trade: A primary focus was establishing a free trade agreement to ensure tariff-free and quota-free access between the UK and EU markets. The UK aimed to regain control over its trade policy, while the EU sought to maintain a level playing field to prevent unfair competition.

2. Fisheries: Control over fishing waters was a contentious issue, with the UK seeking to regain sovereignty over its waters and the EU aiming to secure continued access for its fishing fleets.

3. Regulatory Alignment: Discussions included how closely the UK would align with EU regulations, particularly concerning state aid, environmental standards, and labor laws.

4. Security and Law Enforcement: Both parties were interested in maintaining cooperation on security and law enforcement to combat cross-border crime and terrorism.

The Negotiation Process

• Lead Negotiators: The UK was represented by David Frost, while the EU’s chief negotiator was Michel Barnier. Both teams engaged in multiple rounds of talks throughout 2020.

• Challenges: The negotiations faced numerous challenges, including differing priorities, political pressures, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which complicated the logistics of face-to-face meetings.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Trade and Cooperation Agreement: After months of intense negotiations, the UK and EU reached a Trade and Cooperation Agreement on December 24, 2020, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. This agreement outlined the terms of their future relationship, covering trade, security, and other areas of cooperation.

• Long-term Implications: The agreement marked the beginning of a new chapter in UK-EU relations, with ongoing adjustments and negotiations expected as both parties navigate the complexities of their post-Brexit relationship.

The commencement of these negotiations on March 2, 2020, was a pivotal moment in the Brexit saga, setting the stage for the future interactions between the UK and the EU.