July 30, 2018

The European Commission has adopted a Communication outlining the ongoing work on the preparation for all outcomes of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The Commission reminds readers that on 30 March 2019 the UK will leave the EU and become a third country. This will have repercussions for citizens, businesses and administrations in both the UK and the EU. These repercussions range from new controls at the EU’s outer border with the UK, to the validity of UK-issued licences, certificates and authorisations and to different rules for data transfers.

The Commission’s Communication calls on Member States and private parties to step up preparations, and follows a request by the European Council (Article 50) last month to intensify preparedness at all levels and for all outcomes.

The Commission says that while the EU is “working day and night for a deal ensuring an orderly withdrawal”, the UK’s withdrawal will “undoubtedly cause disruption”, for example in business supply chains, whether or not there is a deal. As there is still no certainty that there will be a ratified withdrawal agreement in place on that date, or what it will entail, preparations have been ongoing to try to ensure that the EU institutions, Member States and private parties are prepared for the UK’s withdrawal. In any event, even if an agreement is reached, the UK will still no longer be a Member State after withdrawal. Therefore, preparing for the UK becoming a third country is of paramount importance, even in the case of a deal between the EU and the UK, the Commission says.

However, the Commission says, preparing for the UK’s withdrawal is not only the responsibility of the EU institutions. It is a joint effort at EU, national and regional levels, and also includes in particular economic operators and other private parties. The Commission says that “everyone must now step up preparations for all scenarios and take responsibility for their specific situation”. To access the Communication, click here.