Completing a 1,492-day journey since Article 50 was triggered, the Brexit trade agreement thrashed out by Boris Johnson and Brussels was approved to enter into force. The European Council rubber-stamped the Trade and Cooperation Agreement after MEPs backed it in a crunch vote earlier this week. With the final formalities now complete the future relationship pact struck on Christmas Eve last year will enter into force on May 1.
Portuguese Europe minister Ana Paula Zacarias said: “Today we open a new chapter in our relations with the UK.
“The conclusion of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement will give legal certainty to the new EU-UK relationship, in the interests of citizens and business on both sides of the Channel.
“We value the UK as a good neighbour, an old ally and an important partner.”
