The United Kingdom has now entered the implementation (or
transition) period following its withdrawal from the institutions
of the European Union on 31 January 2020. The EU Treaties no long
apply to the UK, whose relationship with the EU is now governed by
the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.
In this article, David Hansom looks at some of the practical
issues and most common questions for global business.
1. It feels like nothing has changed?
During the implementation period, which is due to end at 11pm
GMT on 31 December 2020 unless extended by the parties, EU law
continues to apply to the UK in a very similar way as before the
withdrawal. The UK is treated, essentially, as an EU member state
during that time. Existing EU licences, consents and authorisations
which UK businesses may hold continue to apply with full
validity.
