EU approves Brexit in final vote; UK to leave Friday
유럽의회, 영국 EU 탈퇴협정 비준… 英, 31일 예정대로 브렉시트
The UK will finally leave the EU on Friday putting an end to its 47-year-long membership.
The European Union let go of Britain in their final vote on Wednesday.
Yoon Jung-min has the details.
EU member states have bid farewell to the UK in their final vote for Brexit at the EU parliament in Brussels,… with some showing joy, others sadness.
“So this vote is not an ‘adieu’, this vote, mister President is in my opinion only an ‘au revoir’.”
During a plenary session on Wednesday, 621 MEPs voted in favor of the bill, 49 against.
The deal was passed following the UK government’s backing last week.
Britain will officially leave the EU at 11 p.m. GMT this Friday, becoming the first member to leave the bloc after its 47 years as a member.
When it leaves, the number of member states in the EU will tick down to 27.
While saying goodbye to the UK, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized “fairness” in the trade negotiations lying ahead of them, when it comes to access to the European single market with zero tariffs.
“But the pre-condition is that European and British businesses continue to compete on a level playing field we will certainly not expose our companies to unfair competition. We will always love you and we will never be far. Long live Europe.”
After January 31st, both sides will embark on a transition period this year to set out their future relationship.
Until then, Britain will remain within the EU’s rules and economic arrangements.
Watchers say it will be difficult to reach a deal by the year’s end,… given the tight timeline of only 11 months available for trade negotiations.
The EU is preparing for a ‘no-deal’ contingency plan, as experts have raised the possibility that the talks could fall apart.
However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been making it clear that whatever happens,… there will be no extension of the transition period.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.
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