A Brexit deal reached following tough and lenghty negotiations will have to be further approved by the Parliament of the UK and the European Parliament.
President Dalia Grybauskaitė who attended a special EU Council meeting underlined that the deal reflects all major EU as well as Lithuania‘s interests and ensures smooth exit of the UK and brings more clarity both for the EU citizens and business.
According to the President, the most important now is for the UK Parliament to reach an agreement on this document that will define the furture of the UK and the entire EU.
The agreement provides for that Lithuanian and other EU citizens arriving in the UK before the transitional period ends on 31 December 2020 will enjoy the same rights and guarantees as those who arrive before Brexit. The agreement also envisages that EU law will continue to apply to the United Kingdom and that the UK will continue to honor its financial obligations. This means that current multiannual financial framework will not decrease and financial support for Lithuania as well as financial contributions paid by our country will remain unchanged.
The Brexit agreement also establishes that transitional period may be extended twice until 31 December 2022. If agreement on future relations between the EU and the UK is not reached by the end of it, the agreement envisages a solution on how to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, i.e., in that case a Customs Union between the EU and the UK would be formed and the Northern Ireland would have a special status and it would remain an integral part of the internal single market of the EU.
The Political Declaration adopted by the EU leaders on the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom underlines that the EU and the UK will aim to maintain close cooperation in trade and security matters. The document also mentions an opportunity to create a free trade area and coordinate foreign policy as well as ensure visa free travels for EU and UK citizens.
