After a meeting that lasted for many hours, the British cabinet has come out in support of the provisional Brexit agreement. It was presented to them by the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. The almost 600-page document can now be found on the internet.
The United Kingdom is to remain in a customs union with the EU for the time being. That is, until another solution can be found. What this means is that, for now, no import duties or customs formalities will be introduced.
"This also solves the issue with Northern Ireland. No customs controls will be needed on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland", explains Peter Van Elsuwege, professor of EU Law in Gent, Belgium, in De Telegraaf. There is also a 21-month transition period after 21 March.
Is it a done deal? No, for that to happen, various obstacles must be overcome. Later this month, the provisional proposal will be on the EU's agenda. Member countries will have to vote on it.
In December, the agreement will be presented to the British Parliament. Some British Members of Parliament are extremely skeptical about the deal. The BBC has set up a diagram showing the different steps that need to be taken, as well as points where things can still go wrong.