Heads of European Council, European Commission sign Brexit deal

European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday signed an agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the Council said in a statement.

After the signing, the Brexit deal will be submitted to a European Parliament plenary vote next week. Once the European Parliament gives its consent, the Council will conclude the agreement on behalf of the EU.

Last Wednesday, the bill was approved by the Houses of Parliament in the UK, paving the way for the country’s exit from the EU in due time.

As written procedures demand, the UK will leave the EU at midnight on Jan. 31.

During the transition period, which ends on Dec. 31 this year, the UK and the EU will negotiate a future trade deal.

Source: Xinhua – BRUSSELS