The European Parliament ratified by
a large majority
the post-Brexit trade and cooperation agreement, which establishes the rules of future relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, with 660 yes, 5 against and 32 abstentions. Green light also to the accompanying political resolution, which presents the assessment and expectations of Parliament, which passed with 578 yes, 51 against and 68 abstentions. The Eurochamber's consent is required for the agreement to enter into force permanently, before it expires on 30 April 2021.
The agreement "can form the basis on which to build a new forward-looking relationship between the EU and the UK", said the President of the European Parliament,
David Sassoli,
stating that "despite the UK's decision to leave our Union, we still agree deep and long-standing ties, values, history and geographical proximity. It is in the interest of all of us to make this new relationship work. "
"I warmly welcome the results of the European Parliament's vote on the agreement", wrote on Twitter the President of the European Council,
Charles Michel,
according to which "it marks an important step forward in relations" between the Union and London and " opens a new era ".
For the President of the European Commission,
Ursula Von der Leyen
, finally, the agreement lays "the foundations of a strong and close partnership with the United Kingdom. The faithful implementation" of the agreement "is essential", he added.