On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom made a historic decision to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit. The formal process of leaving the EU culminated in the signing of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. This agreement detailed the terms of the UK’s departure and future relationship with the EU.
So, who signed the EU Withdrawal Agreement?
On behalf of the European Union, the agreement was signed by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, the President of the European Council. On behalf of the United Kingdom, the agreement was signed by the then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The signing of the Withdrawal Agreement was a momentous occasion, marking the end of a long and tumultuous period of negotiations between the UK and EU. The agreement contained several key provisions, including the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU, the financial settlement between the UK and the EU, and arrangements for the Northern Ireland border.
The signing of the Withdrawal Agreement also marked the beginning of a transition period, during which the UK continued to follow EU rules and regulations while negotiating a future trade agreement with the EU.
While the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, the transition period lasted until December 31, 2020. During this time, negotiators worked tirelessly to secure a post-Brexit trade agreement between the UK and the EU, which was eventually agreed upon on December 24, 2020.
In conclusion, the EU Withdrawal Agreement was signed by Ursula von der Leyen, Charles Michel, and Boris Johnson. The agreement marked the end of a long and arduous negotiating process and the beginning of a new chapter in the UK’s relationship with the EU.