VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Ten days before the end of 2020, Britain and the European Union still have not fully agreed on matters related to Brexit or the UK leaving the European Union. The UK and the European Union still disagree on two important rules for both of them, concerning fishing and business competition. According to schedule, Britain and the European Union would have to settle differences regarding those matters on 20 December 2022. The two days delay indicates that the two sides are holding on to their respective positions. The delay in the agreement has further shortened the deadline, ahead of Britain's exit from the European Union on January 31, 2021. Britain has also had to sign a number of agreements related to its relationship with the European Union on January 1, 2021. Regarding the possibility of an agreement not being made, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his optimism that it would not occur. After a deadlock on fishing and business competition talk, the British Prime Minister insisted that Britain would still benefit even if there was no agreement.

As reported by the Associated Press and quoted by CNN Indonesia, from the European Union, it is France which has a strong interest in the fisheries sector agreement. The country really hopes that with the Brexit deal, French fishermen can fish in British waters. So far the British have full control over their waters. Both the UK and the European Union maintain their respective positions on fishing rules. Britain asked that the quota for fishing by EU countries in its waters be reduced to 25 percent of the quota before Brexit. The two sides also differed regarding the transition period. The UK considers that a 3-year transition period is enough for EU fishermen to adjust to the new rules. But the European Union asked for a longer period of six years. The British Prime Minister emphasized that Britain has the right to fully determine the rules within the country.

For both parties a UK exit without a deal or a Brexit No Deal can have benefits but also disadvantages. In the trade sector, the two parties will impose different import tariffs for commodities and customs regulations. Both the UK and EU member states will face problems in this regard. For Britain, trade barriers with the European Union can have a negative impact on its economy. While still a member, the European Union was the largest single market. But by leaving the European Union without a deal, Britain must comply with WTO rules. British companies that rely on exporting their products to the European Union countries will be affected by the absence of a trade agreement.

Apart from trade, Brexit no Deal will also have an impact on employment issues. Different rules post Brexit will affect the fate of British citizens working in the European Union countries, and vice versa.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now being tested for his skills in solving the Brexit issue. The failure of negotiations which resulted in Britain leaving the European Union without an agreement had consequences for the country. Brexit no Deal will have an impact on the UK economy which is now trying to rise from the downturn caused by Covid 19. Johnson also has to convince the British people and his political opponents in parliament that the decisions he has taken are correct and for the dignity of Great Britain and the good of the people.