Adopted

Hemicycle of the European Parliament during a meeting. Ursula von der Leyen speaking from the podium
© European Union (2020) - European Parliament / Etienne Ansotte

Parliament assesses implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

On 23 November 2023 the European Parliament adopted by 512 votes, with 9 against and 42 abstentions, a resolution on the Implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

The TCA entered into force on 1 May 2021 and is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive trade agreements, which the EU has concluded with a third country, yet it does not replace EU membership. In its resolution, the Parliament recalled that the TCA limits the negative consequences of the UK's withdrawal from the EU and establishes a cooperation framework, which provides legal certainty for citizens and businesses.

Windsor Framework


The Parliament welcomed the Windsor Framework that addresses the challenges that have arisen in the operation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland over the first two years of its implementation. In particular, Members welcomed the new rules which it has introduced on sharing real-time customs data and the proposals on access to medicines and on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The Parliament called for the swift implementation of the Framework to ensure lasting certainty and predictability for people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Level playing field


The Parliament noted that trade arrangements are working well overall and that it would be beneficial for both parties to limit regulatory divergence. Members highlighted the impact of any unnecessary systematic regulatory divergence on the level playing field commitments in the TCA. The resolution also discusses specific sectoral issues and thematic cooperation related to the environment and climate, financial services, energy, fisheries, social security coordination, law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and participation in Union programmes.

Institutional framework

The Parliament welcomed the full operationalisation of the TCA's institutional framework and the good functioning of joint bodies, the swift setting up of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and the establishment of the EU Domestic Advisory Group. The Parliament also stressed the importance of civil society involvement in the implementation of the TCA and it reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor the implementation of the TCA.

EU-UK relations: Parliament assesses Windsor Framework and citizens’ rights

MEPs welcome the deal on the Protocol on Northern Ireland and raise concerns about citizens’ rights, including “pre-settled status” for EU citizens. The report was adopted with 537 votes in favour, 43 against, and 38 abstentions.

Assessing how the UK Withdrawal Agreement has been implemented in the three years sinceBrexit, MEPs note that important improvements are needed to safeguard citizens' rights, andthat the implementation of the Agreement has been tarnished by the UK's continuous breaches(and threatened breaches) of its commitments under the Agreement. They say the Agreementhas a direct effect on the respective legal orders of the EU and the UK, that UK courts must paydue regard to EU Court of Justice case law, and that citizens must be able to turn to nationalcourts should their rights under the Agreement be breached.

Northern Ireland Protocol

Parliament condemns the unilateral "grace periods" used by successive UK governments toavoid enforcing border controls in the Irish Sea, which are a "clear breach" of the Protocol onIreland and Northern Ireland. It welcomes both the Windsor Framework, and the subsequentannouncement that the UK government will halt the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.MEPs underline that, according to the UK government itself, 'democratic consent' for theProtocol must be provided in due time by a simple majority of the Northern Ireland Assembly.They say that, in the most recent elections, a clear majority of voters supported parties thatendorsed the Protocol's retention.

Citizens' rights

Parliament also raised the situation of EU citizens living in the UK who have been granted "pre[1]settled status" and who will have to start submitting renewed applications for settled status inthe second half of 2023. Refusal to grant these people settled status would be an "automaticand illegal loss of their rights". MEPs echo the Commission's concerns regarding the lack oflegal clarity for EU citizens in the UK, point to the problems caused by the long delays in the UKauthorities' decision-making, and reiterate that the absence of physical documents can beproblematic. They also deplore the UK's decision to charge different fees for visa applicantsfrom different EU countries

European Parliament’s consent to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and accompanying resolution

Parliament voted with a large majority in favour of granting its consent to the agreement setting the rules of the future EU-UK relationship.

The European Parliament is asked to give consent to international agreements in order for it to enter into force, in accordance to Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The consent decision was adopted by 660 votes for, five against and 32 abstentions, therefore clearly supporting the Agreement. The accompanying resolution, which sets out Parliament's evaluation of and expectations from the deal, passed by 578 votes, with 51 against and 68 abstentions. The resolutions were adopted on 28 April 2021.

In the accompanying resolution, Parliament strongly welcomed the conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement that limits the negative consequences of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, which it considered a "historic mistake" as no third country can enjoy the same benefits as an EU member. The zero quotas and zero tariffs trade agreement between the EU and the UK were viewed positively by MEPs, and guarantees on fair competition rules could serve as a model for future trade agreements. Parliament agrees with provisions on, among others, fisheries, consumers, air traffic and energy. However, MEPs regreted that the UK did not want the agreement to extend to foreign, security and development policies and did not want to participate in the Erasmus+ student exchange programme.

Pointing to preserving peace on the island of Ireland as one of Parliament's main goals in agreeing the future relationship, MEPs condemned the UK's recent unilateral actions that are in breach of the Withdrawal Agreement. They called on the UK government "to act in good faith and fully implement the terms of the agreements which it has signed", including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, and apply them based on a timetable jointly set up with the European Commission.

MEPs underlined that Parliament must play a full role in monitoring how the agreement is applied, including by being involved in unilateral EU actions under the agreement and having its views taken into account.

European Parliament resolution of 7 April 2022 setting its position on the medicines' package

The European Parliament legislative resolution of 7 April 2022 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directives 2001/20/EC and 2001/83/EC as regards derogations from certain obligations concerning certain medicinal products for human use made available in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, as well as in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta, sets the Parliament's position on the "medicines' package". In the resolution, the Parliament adopts in first reading the proposal by the Commission, therefore paving the way to ensure the continued long-term supply of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and to address outstanding supply concerns in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta.

European Parliament resolution of 5 April 2022

on the future of fisheries in the Channel, North Sea, Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean in the light of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The resolution was adopted on 5 April 2022 by 619 votes to 12 and five abstentions.
After almost a year of entry into force of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) the MEPs deplore the fact that the TCA gradually reduces the share of the European fleet's fishing opportunities in UK waters by 25% over a five-and-a-half-year period.
MEPs expressed their concern about the UK's unilateral and protectionist measures, which limit fishing licences for EU vessels in the Crown Dependencies and urge the UK to refrain from controversial actions. MEPs call for the Commission to consider all options to ensure that the rights of EU vessels are respected, including limiting the UK's access to EU ports or restricting the import of fisheries products.
The resolution says that Brexit has destabilised relations between North Atlantic coastal states, resulting in Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands taking unilateral decisions that negatively affect fish stocks and the EU's fishing fleet, such as the EU's loss of Svalbard's cod quota.

MEPs call on the Commission to work on appropriate solutions with other coastal states on better control and fisheries management measures in line with the Common Fisheries Policy and the Green Deal.
MEPs call for the Specialised Committee on Fisheries, which will monitor the implementation of the agreement and will be responsible for taking decisions that are fair to both parties, to be set up swiftly. MEPs want it to be more transparent and receive regularly updates on this committee's work.

The European Parliament's position

Report on the recommendation on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

European Parliament resolution of 18 June 2020

The European Parliament adopted a resolution about the EU's future relationship with the United Kingdom.

The resolution, which passed by a large majority (527 votes in favour, 34 against and 91 abstentions), sets out the Parliament's political views on the negotiations, the withdrawal agreement signed by the UK and the EU, and future relations.

The resolution is based on a draft report adopted in the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committees (AFET and INTA) on 12 June.

Incorporating contributions from 17 of the EP's 20 committees, the report represents an unprecedented level of cooperation in the scrutiny of negotiations of an international agreement.

The proposed mandate for negotiations

European Parliament resolution of 12 February 2020

The European Parliament adopted by 543 votes to 39, with 69 abstentions, a resolution on the proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups, based on the work done by the UKCG.

Parliament underlined its determination to establish as close a relationship as possible with the United Kingdom, a relationship which should, however, be different from the one enjoyed by the United Kingdom as a Member State of the Union, and which should be based on the following principles:
  • a third country must not have the same rights and benefits as a Member State of the EU, or a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) or European Economic Area (EEA);
  • protection of the full integrity and correct functioning of the single market, the customs union and indivisibility of the four freedoms;
  • preservation of the autonomy of the EU's decision-making;
  • safeguarding of the EU legal order and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union in this respect;
  • continued adherence to democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as respect for the principle of the rule of law;
  • a level playing field, ensuring equivalent standards in social, labour, environmental, competition and state aid policies, including through a robust and comprehensive framework on competition and state aid control;
  • the precautionary principle, the principle that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source and the 'polluter pays' principle;
  • safeguarding of EU agreements with third countries and international organisations;
  • safeguarding of the financial stability of the EU.

Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community

European Parliament legislative resolution of 29 January 2020

The Withdrawal Agreement was approved by the European Parliament by 621 votes in favour, 49 against and 13 abstentions.

In a debate with the Croatian State Secretary for European Affairs Nikolina Brnjac on behalf of the Presidency of the Council, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU's Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier, Parliament considered the withdrawal process and the challenges that lay ahead.

Most MEPs speaking on behalf of the political groups emphasised that the EU-UK relationship was a strong one and would endure. MEPs also pointed to lessons to be learnt from Brexit. They thanked the UK and its MEPs for their contribution throughout the UK's membership.

Many speakers warned that negotiations on the future relationship between the partners would be difficult, especially given the short timeframe specified by the Withdrawal Agreement.

Implementing and monitoring the provisions on citizens' rights in the Withdrawal Agreement

European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020

The European Parliament adopted by 610 votes to 29, with 68 abstentions a resolution on the implementation and monitoring the provisions on citizens' rights in the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.

Members recalled that there are currently around 3.2 million citizens from the remaining 27 Member States (EU-27) resident in the UK, and 1.2 million UK citizens resident in the EU-27. Those citizens took up residence in another Member State on the basis of rights they enjoy under EU law and on the understanding that they would continue to enjoy those rights throughout their lives.

Implementing and monitoring the provisions on citizens’ rights in the Withdrawal Agreement

European Parliament resolution of 18 September 2019

The European Parliament adopted by 544 votes to 126, with 38 abstentions, a resolution on the state of play of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups.

Following a decision of the 10 April 2019 European Council Special Summit to accept UK's request to prolong the Article 50 deadline, the UK is set to leave the EU by 31 October 2019.

According to the Parliament, 'Brexit' is an unprecedented and regrettable event whose negative consequences would be mitigated by an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU).

Guidelines on the framework of future EU-UK relations

European Parliament resolution of 14 March 2018

The European Parliament adopted by 544 votes to 110, with 51 abstentions, a resolution on the framework of the future EU-UK relationship.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL and Greens/EFA groups.

The purpose of negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) is to provide for an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU. Article 50 TEU states that the arrangements for the UK's withdrawal should take account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union.

State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom

European Parliament resolution of 13 December 2017

The European Parliament adopted, by 556 votes to 62, with 68 abstentions, a resolution on the state of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA groups.

Parliament welcomed the joint progress report presented by the EU and UK negotiators. The resolution confirmed that sufficient progress has been made and that the negotiations may move on to the second phase.

However, negotiations can only progress during the second phase if the UK government fully respects the commitments it gave in the Joint Report and fully translates them into the draft Withdrawal Agreement.

State of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom

European Parliament resolution of 3 October 2017

The European Parliament adopted by 557 votes to 92 with 29 abstentions a resolution on the state of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL and Greens/EFA groups.

Progress of the negotiations: Parliament considered that in the fourth round of negotiations, sufficient progress has not yet been made on citizens' rights, Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the settlement of the United Kingdom's financial obligations to be able to start the negotiations on the framework for the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Unless there were to be a major breakthrough in line with the resolution in all three areas during the fifth negotiation round, Parliament called on the European Council, to decide at its October 2017 meeting to postpone its assessment on whether sufficient progress has been made.

The commitments undertaken by the UK Prime Minister in her speech of 22 September 2017 at Florence must translate into tangible changes to the United Kingdom's position and into concrete proposals accordingly [...]

Negotiations with the United Kingdom following its notification that it intends to withdraw from the European Union

European Parliament resolution of 5 April 2017

The European Parliament adopted by 516 votes to 133, with 50 abstentions, a resolution on negotiations with the United Kingdom following its notification that it intends to withdraw from the European Union.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA groups and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs.

Parliament took note of the notification by the United Kingdom Government to the European Council, which begins the process by which the United Kingdom will cease to be a Member State of the European Union and the Treaties will no longer apply to it.

It called for the negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom to begin as soon as possible. It reiterated the importance of the withdrawal agreement and any possible transitional arrangement(s) entering into force well before the elections to the European Parliament of May 2019. It equally recalled that the withdrawal agreement could only be concluded with the consent of the European Parliament.