A post-Brexit trade deal has been agreed between the EU and the UK, prompting relief, sadness and optimism for the future.
European leaders have been reacting to the announcement. Here's what some of them have said.
- Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president
"It was a long and winding road. But we have got a good deal to show for it. It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow.
"To all Europeans, I say: It's time to leave Brexit behind. Our future is made in Europe."
- Michel Barnier, EU's chief negotiator
"The clock is no longer ticking.
"Today is a day of relief, but tinged by some sadness as we compare what came before with what lies ahead."
media caption'Today is a day of relief', says EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier
- Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor
"The federal government will now carefully check the text of the agreement. But we're not starting at zero. The European Commission has closely included the member states throughout the entire negotiating process.
"We will thus be able to quickly judge if Germany can support today's outcome. I am very optimistic that we will have a good result.
"With the deal we create the basis for a new chapter of our relationship. The UK will continue to be an important partner for Germany and the EU outside of the European Union."
- Micheál Martin, Irish prime minister
"There is no such thing as a 'good Brexit' for Ireland.
"But we have worked hard to minimise the negative consequences.
"I believe the agreement reached today is the least bad version of Brexit possible, given current circumstances."..
GR
FR
DE
ES
IT
RU
EU
Los líderes de la Unión Europea (UE) y los representantes de los principales sectores económicos respiran hoy con alivio tras el acuerdo alcanzado entre la Comisión Europea y el Reino Unido, que regirá la relación comercial entre los exsocios desde el primero de enero próximo.
ReplyDelete"Por fin podemos dejar el Brexit atrás y la Unión Europea puede seguir avanzando", dijo la presidenta de la Comisión Europea (CE), Ursula Von der Leyen en Bruselas, al tiempo que señaló que hasta lograrlo ha sido "un camino largo y sinuoso" pero "era un acuerdo por el que había que luchar".