BRUSSELS, 28 April, 2021 (TON): On Wednesday, the European Union leaders, their British counterparts and European businesses expressed hope that the final ratification of the post-Brexit trade deal will open a new, positive era of cooperation.

U.K. Prime minister Boris Johnson said after the European lawmakers overwhelmingly ratified the agreement ensuring that free trade continues between the two sides without tariffs and quotas, that the vote marked the “final step in a long journey, providing stability to our new relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and sovereign equals."

Relations between the EU and the U.K. have been strained since a Brexit transition period ended on 1 January.

The two sides have argued so far this year over issues ranging from violations of the so-called Northern Ireland protocol, COVID-19 vaccine supplies to the full diplomatic recognition of the EU in Britain.

However, the EU lawmakers approved the final ratification of the deal nearly five years after Britain decided to leave the bloc. The deal, which was finalized on Christmas Eve, had already been ratified by the U.K. Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament’s approval, which marks the final legal hurdle.