the UK ends up giving full ambassadorial status to the EU representative

This dispute was fueling post-Brexit tensions between the UK and the European Union (EU). After several months of refusal, the UK has agreed to grant full ambassadorial status to the EU representative in London, the two sides said on Wednesday (May 5th).

The deal was announced after a meeting between British foreign minister Dominic Raab and EU chief Josep Borrell on the sidelines of a G7 meeting in London. He “Is based on goodwill and pragmatism”, they said in a joint statement, explaining:

“The EU ambassador will have a status in line with that of heads of state missions, including the approval and presentation of credentials to the head of state. “

“Staff of the EU Delegation will be granted the privileges and immunity necessary to function effectively”, they added.

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Until then unsuccessful negotiations

The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020 and, after an eleven-month transition period, freed itself from all European rules by leaving the single market on December 31. and the customs union.

State of play: London is playing time, Brussels is getting impatient

After this break-up, negotiations were launched, so far unsuccessful, to determine whether EU Ambassador to London Joao Vale de Almeida and his team should enjoy full diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, like the diplomats of a sovereign state, or the immunity conferred on international organizations, a privileged position by London.

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The World with AFP