The Withdrawal Agreement Declaration: What it Means for UK-EU Relations
The Withdrawal Agreement Declaration (WAD) is a document that sets out the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It was agreed upon by both parties in November 2018 as part of the Brexit negotiations and is seen as a key component of the UK`s departure from the EU.
What is the Withdrawal Agreement Declaration?
The WAD is essentially a political declaration that sets out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It covers a wide range of areas, including trade and economic cooperation, security, foreign policy, and collaboration on issues such as climate change and research.
The document is not legally binding, but it is seen as a roadmap for the negotiations that will take place after Brexit. It is intended to provide a basis for a comprehensive free trade agreement between the UK and the EU, as well as cooperation on security and other issues.
What Does the Withdrawal Agreement Declaration Mean for the UK?
For the UK, the WAD is seen as a positive step towards a comprehensive trade deal with the EU. It sets out a number of key principles that will guide negotiations in the future, including:
– A commitment to a level playing field on issues such as state aid and environmental standards.
– A desire to maintain close cooperation on issues such as security, law enforcement, and foreign policy.
– A recognition of the importance of maintaining a close partnership on issues such as research and innovation, education, and culture.
The WAD also provides some clarity on the UK`s future relationship with the EU. It confirms that the UK will leave the Single Market and Customs Union, but it also sets out a number of proposals for maintaining a close economic relationship with the EU.
What Does the Withdrawal Agreement Declaration Mean for the EU?
For the EU, the WAD is seen as a positive step towards a managed Brexit. It provides some certainty about the future relationship with the UK and sets out a number of important principles for negotiations going forward.
The document also confirms the EU`s commitment to the integrity of the Single Market and the Customs Union. It recognizes the importance of maintaining a level playing field on issues such as state aid and environmental standards, as well as the need for close cooperation on issues such as security and foreign policy.
Overall, the WAD is seen as an important step towards a comprehensive free trade agreement between the UK and the EU. While it is not legally binding, it sets out the framework for negotiations going forward and provides some certainty about the future relationship between the two parties.
