MNI POLICY: EU, UK Agree Post-Brexit Deal Days Before Deadline

The UK and the European Union have reached an agreement on a post-transition trade deal, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission Ursula von der Leyen President said in press conferences on Thursday just days before the Dec. 30 end of the Brexit transition period.

"Its been a long and winding road, but we have a fair agreement," von der Leyen said, stressing that the UK and the EU would remain "close and trusted" partners.

"We have taken back control of our laws and destiny," Johnson said at a press briefing in London, calling it "a deal that will protect jobs, deal that will allow our companies to do even more business with Europe.

"Everything that the British public was promised during the 2016 referendum and in the general election last year is delivered by this deal. We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters," an earlier statement from Downing Street said, adding that the deal "also guarantees that we are no longer in the lunar pull of the EU, we are not bound by EU rules".

RATIFICATION STILL PENDING

Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said a comprehensive agreement with the UK was the best outcome, but noted that ratification was still required. "Over the past years the EU has shown unity and determination in its negotiations with the UK. We will continue to uphold the same unity," he said.

"Now is the time for the Council and the European Parliament to analyse the agreement reached at negotiators' level, before they give their green lights," he added.

Exactly four-and-a-half years since the result of the UK's vote on membership of the EU, a deal has finally been agreed on the future trading relation between the two parties. The UK Parliament is set to be recalled on Dec. 30 to debate and vote on the agreement. The European Parliament is expected to officially ratify the deal in the New Year, with the EU using a provisional application to get the deal signed off for Jan. 1 implementation.