European Commission President addresses MEPs on UK's withdrawal from the EU
On 3 April, Jean Claude Junker updated MEPs on the state of the negotiations on the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels. The President said the best way forward was for the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement to avoid a disorderly Brexit and he would do everything possible to avoid a disorderly Brexit. Since December 2017 the Commission has published 91 preparedness notices, 32 non-legislative acts, 19 legislative proposals, three Communications, as well as holding 72 seminars and supporting EU27 in their preparations.
Full statement of President Juncker to the European Parliament
Provisional agreement reached on visa-free travel to the EU for UK nationals in case of “no-deal” Brexit
On 3 April, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the Commission's proposal to grant UK nationals visa-free travel to the EU after the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. This means that UK nationals will not need a visa when travelling to the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa-free travel for UK nationals is conditional upon the UK also granting reciprocal and non-discriminatory visa-free travel for all EU citizens, in line with the principle of visa reciprocity. The agreement was adopted with 502 votes to 81 and 29 abstentions by the European Parliament on 4 April and now needs to be formally approved by the Council. , This would apply as of midnight on 12 April 2019 should the UK leave the EU in a "no deal" scenario or at the end of the transition period as outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Brexit preparedness
EU prepared for “no-deal” Brexit scenario in the areas of public health and food safety
The EU regrets, but respects the UK's decision to leave the EU. While the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the EU and the UK remains the best possible outcome, the EU has prepared for a possible “no-deal” scenario in the area of public health, in particular on the crucial topics of pharmaceutical products and medical devices, as well as on food safety. Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President of the Commission, responsible for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness, currently also in charge of the health & food safety*, presented the EU preparedness in the field at a press conference on 4 April in Brussels. Note: *Vytenis Andriukaitis has taken a temporary leave from the European Commission to campaign for Lithuania’s presidential elections on 12 May.
Full statement of Vice-President Katainen
More information on the movement of live animals and animal by products
More information on prevention of medicines shortages
Customs authorities in the EU ready for ‘no-deal' Brexit
On 3 April, Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for economic and financial affairs, taxation and customs presented the preparedness of the customs authorities in the EU for a 'no-deal' Brexit. The overall impact of such a scenario cannot be mitigated, but preparations continue within member states, supported by the Commission, and much has already been achieved to ensure that national customs infrastructure and logistics are ready. Commission and member state outreach to businesses on customs and indirect taxation has also helped EU27 traders dealing with the UK to get ready to comply with customs obligations if a ‘no-deal' scenario materialises. A range of material is available for businesses, including a simple 5-step checklist and a more comprehensive guide to customs.
Brexit preparedness
Transport Commissioner presents preparations in the transport sector for “no-deal” Brexit
Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for transport, presented on 4 April the EU's contingency and preparedness measures in the transport sector given the increasing risk the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Agreed by member states and the European Parliament in record time, they will limit the most significant disruptions caused by a possible “no-deal” scenario. Covering air, road and rail transport the measures will allow for the continuation of safe basic connectivity between the EU and the UK for a limited period of time, provided that the UK maintains an adequate level of safety standards and gives reciprocal treatment to EU companies and operators.
Brexit preparedness
EU contingency plans to mitigate the impact of “no-deal” Brexit on fisheries
Commissioner for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries Karmenu Vella presented on 5 April contingency measures to mitigate the impact on fisheries in case of a “no-deal” Brexit. The acts tabled by the European Commission in January were agreed in record time by member states and the European Parliament at the end of March. The first measure amends EU rules on the sustainable management of the external fleets by creating the legal framework for continued reciprocal fishing access by EU and UK vessels to each other's waters during 2019, provided the UK grants such access for EU vessels. The second measure allows fishermen and operators from EU member states to receive compensation for the temporary cessation of fishing activities due to Brexit under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. This will help to off-set some of the impacts of a sudden closure of UK waters to EU fishing vessels.
Brexit preparedness
European Commission concludes UK tax scheme gave illegal tax advantages
On 2 April, the European Commission announced that a UK tax scheme is partly justified and does not constitute state aid, insofar as it ensures the proper functioning and effectiveness of the relevant tax rules. However, the Commission found that the UK gave certain multinationals a selective advantage by granting them an unjustified exemption from UK anti–tax avoidance rules. This is illegal under EU state aid rules and the UK must now recover the undue tax benefits.
More information
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