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Tears, hugs and farewells in Brussels on January 31st
There were tears, hugs, emotional speeches, some flag waving and singing « Auld Lang Syne » in the European Parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers ratified the U.K.‘s terms of departure from the EU, and took stock of the challenges facing the EU-U.K.’s future relationship and the EU itself.
The Brexit deal, known formally as the ‘Withdrawal Agreement’, was approved by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) by 621 votes in favor and 49 votes against it and a smattering of abstentions. What happens on Friday (January 31) when Britain officially leaves the European Union? Except for some parties organized by Brexit
supporters, most people in the UK and Europe will see no difference at all.
But for political leaders and negotiators, February 1 starts the countdown clock on the tangible changes that Brexit will bring: new arrangements for Britain’s trade, customs, travel and regulation with the EU and the rest of the world.
Until then, an 11-month transition period ensures that everyday friction points and the biggest challenges of the Brexit project (cross-border travel, personal rights and immigration) remain unchanged until at least December 31.
Brexit Party leader and member of the European Parliament Nigel Farage: “Once we’ve left, we are never coming back. What do we want from Europe? If we want trade, friendship, cooperation and reciprocity we don’t need a European Commission, we don’t need a European Court, we don’t need all of these institutions, we love Europe, we just hate the European Union.”
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission: “I think in this debate we cannot escape a key question, how could this happen?” he said. “How is it possible that more than 40 years after an enormous majority voted to enter into the European family ... they decided to leave this European project.”