The United Kingdom is ending its economic separation from the European Union

London The United Kingdom has ended its economic rupture with the European Union, ending its 48-year association with the trading bloc and initiating a new and more distant relationship with its continental neighbors.

The formal separation took place on Thursday at 23:00, London time. The UK has left the single market and customs union, which allows people, goods and services to move freely through more than two dozen countries.

Another trade agreement entered into force, bringing new restrictions and bureaucracy. But for Brexit supporters, the agreement restores national independence from the Brussels bloc.

The UK left the EU politically almost a year ago, but remained part of its economic structures until the end of 2020.