The United Kingdom’s formal exit from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, occurred on January 31, 2020, at 11 pm. This marked the end of a long and complex process that began with the UK’s referendum vote to leave the EU in 2016.
The Brexit journey was marked by several key events, including the triggering of Article 50 in March 2017, which started the two-year countdown to the UK’s exit ². The UK’s initial planned exit date was March 29, 2019, but this was delayed due to negotiations and agreements between the UK and EU.
The UK’s formal exit was followed by a transition period that lasted until December 31, 2020. During this time, the UK and EU negotiated new trade agreements, including the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The TCA sets out rules for zero tariffs and quotas, data protection, and migration.
Since Brexit, the UK has been working to establish new relationships with the EU and other countries. This includes negotiating new trade agreements, such as the free trade agreement with Australia, and participating in international programs, like Horizon Europe.
