The post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and EU has been unanimously approved by ambassadors of the bloc’s 27 member nations, clearing the latest hurdle to the agreement coming provisionally into effect on New Year’s Day.
Germany, which holds the EU presidency, said the decision came during a meeting of EU ambassadors to assess the Christmas Eve agreement.
“Green light,” said Germany’s spokesman Sebastian Fischer. “Ambassadors have unanimously approved the provisional application of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement as of January 1, 2021.”
The approval had been expected after the deal was warmly received by EU leaders. It still needs approval from the EU’s legislature, which is expected to come in February.
Lawmakers in the UK are expected to approve the deal on Wednesday.