The Withdrawal Agreement is an agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) that outlines the terms of the UK`s departure from the EU. The agreement was reached on October 17, 2019, after months of negotiations, and subsequently ratified by both the EU and UK. In this article, we will discuss the key points of what was agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement.

1. The transition period

The Withdrawal Agreement provides for a transition period that runs from the date of the UK`s departure until December 31, 2020. During this period, the UK will continue to be treated as a member state of the EU in terms of trade and other arrangements. This is designed to give businesses and individuals time to adjust to the post-Brexit landscape.

2. Citizens` rights

The Withdrawal Agreement provides for the protection of citizens` rights for those EU citizens residing in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU. This includes the right to continue living and working in their current location, as well as access to healthcare and welfare benefits. It also allows for family members to join them in their current location.

3. Financial obligations

The UK has agreed to pay a financial settlement to the EU, which covers financial obligations it has undertaken as a member. This includes paying into the EU budget until the end of the current budget cycle, as well as contributions to EU programs that the UK has committed to. The total amount of the settlement is estimated to be around £33 billion.

4. The Irish border

One of the most contentious issues in the Brexit negotiations was the question of the Irish border. The Withdrawal Agreement includes a protocol on Northern Ireland, which establishes a special status for the province. This involves keeping Northern Ireland aligned with EU regulations on goods and customs, in order to avoid the need for a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

5. Transition arrangements

The Withdrawal Agreement provides for a number of transition arrangements to smooth the UK`s departure from the EU. For example, it allows for the continued recognition of professional qualifications obtained in the EU, and for the continued protection of intellectual property rights.

In conclusion, the Withdrawal Agreement is a complex document that covers a wide range of issues related to the UK`s departure from the EU. While it has been agreed and ratified by both sides, there are still many details to be worked out before the UK`s final departure at the end of the transition period. Nevertheless, the agreement provides a framework for the post-Brexit landscape and sets out many of the key issues that need to be addressed.