Minister Blok positive about reaching EU-UK agreement on new partnership

It is positive that the EU and the UK have reached an agreement on a new partnership, after difficult and unique negotiations. Under severe time pressure, a new relationship had to be forged with a former EU member state. I would like to thank EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and their teams for their tireless efforts.

The Netherlands, the other EU member states and the European Parliament will now carefully study the draft texts. Special attention will be paid to the agreements on a level playing field between the EU and the UK, the access of Dutch fishers to British waters and the governance of the agreement.

There is very little time to do this. Before a decision is made in Brussels, the government will send an initial assessment of the agreement to parliament, so that it has an opportunity to discuss the agreement.

From 1 January 2021, new rules will govern the relationship with the UK. Businesses and members of the public will also notice this. It is therefore important for everyone to make the best possible preparations.