Europa & Internationales

A few days before the end of the transitional period, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) agreed on a on 24 December 2020. Following approval by all 27 EU member states on 29 December 2020 and by the UK Parliament on 30 December 2020, the agreement entered into force provisionally on 1 January 2021. The expiry of the transitional phase without follow-up regulation was thus prevented just in time. However, the full ratification of the agreement still requires the approval of the European Parliament.

The EU and the UK continue to be close partners. Many businesses and workers on both sides rely on close cooperation. The agreement now reached reflects a continued close relationship between the EU and the UK. The agreement provides clarity for all and lays the foundations for a continued comprehensive economic partnership.

Nevertheless, the end of the transitional phase and the new trade and cooperation agreement mean that companies and employees must prepare themselves. Divergent national regulations - for example on residence and recognition of qualifications - will in future make the provision of services and in some cases also intra-group postings considerably more difficult.

Between the UK's withdrawal from the EU on 1 February 2020 and 31 December 2020, the withdrawal agreement has so far regulated the transition and contributed to planning security for companies and citizens in important areas. EU law continued to apply in and for the United Kingdom until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. In addition, the withdrawal agreement secures the rights of citizens () who have exercised their right to free movement before the end of the transition period.