European leaders hail post-Brexit deal

Political leaders in Europe on Dec. 24 hailed the belated sealing of a U.K.-EU post-Brexit deal that aims to lay the groundwork for long-term future cooperation.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lauded what he termed "a good deal for the whole of Europe," which offers "a new stability and a new certainty" to relations.

Former prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May, who both resigned over Brexit, dubbed the deal "very welcome". May said it "provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing".

"It was worth fighting for this deal. We now have a fair & balanced agreement with the U.K. It will protect our EU interests, ensure fair competition & provide predictability for our fishing communities," said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned "this agreement will require efforts", and notably pledged support to EU fishermen and women after fishing proved the toughest of issues to resolve.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the deal "represents a good compromise and a balanced outcome" which will avoid a hard border on the border with Northern Ireland, stressing "the UK will always be a close friend and partner".

"This is the start of a new era in the relationship between the U.K. and the EU and in Northern Ireland we will want to maximise the opportunities the new arrangements provide for our local economy," said First Minister Arlene Foster.

"Before the spin starts, it's worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland's will. And there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It's time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation," said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.