The European Union and the UK will still “stand shoulder to shoulder” on global issues despite Brexit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday after the two sides reached agreement on future trade relations. The UK and the EU clinched a deal early on Thursday, just seven days before the Brexit transition period is set to end on Dec. 31. “So we have finally found an agreement, it was a long and winding road but we have got a good deal to show for it. It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides,” von der Leyen said at a press conference shortly after the deal was struck. “It will allow us to avoid major disruption for workers, businesses, and travellers after Jan. 1. It will protect European interests, and I believe, also, that this …