The Brexit deal between the UK and EU is ‘fair and balanced’ but bittersweet, the European Commission president has said.
Ursula von der Leyen spoke at a press conference to announce the historic deal this afternoon.
She said: ‘We have finally found an agreement. It was a long and winding road, but we have got a good deal to show for it.
‘It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.’
Ms von der Leyen concluded: ‘At the end of a successful negotiations journey, I normally feel joy.
‘But today I only feel quiet satisfaction and – frankly speaking – relief.
‘I know this is a difficult day for some.
‘To our friends in the UK, I want to say: parting is such sweet sorrow.
‘But to use a line from TS Eliot: what we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning.
‘So to all the Europeans, I say: It is time to leave Brexit behind, our future is made in Europe.’
She also tweeted: ‘It was worth fighting for this deal. We now have a fair & balanced agreement with the UK. It will protect our EU interests, ensure fair competition & provide predictability for our fishing communities.
‘Europe is now moving on.’
More follows.
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