Preparatory measures and contingency plan for the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Citizens' Rights

11.02.2019 |

AMA

Even though the Portuguese Government and the European Union remain firmly committed to the adoption and entry into force of the Exit Agreement, the UK's strong domestic political opposition to the texts of the Exit Agreement and the Political Declaration on Britain's future relationship with the European Union, as well as the postponement of vote on these texts in the UK Parliament last December, significantly increased the likelihood of the UK leaving the EU without an agreement between the two parties.

The exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union without an agreement will require the application by the EU and the Member States of temporary solutions and rapid implementation at political, economic, administrative, legislative and communication level.

This document thus fulfils the objective of identifying the preparatory measures and the contingency plan for citizens' rights that the Portuguese Government intends to adopt, with a view to minimising the effects and consequences of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.

Nothing in these measures should condition or anticipate those that will be approved, either within the framework of the United Kingdom's future relationship with the EU, or within the framework of Portugal's future relationship with the United Kingdom.

After the preparation and contingency phase, the government will coordinate another exercise to identify issues and measures to ensure a longest and deepest possible future relationship, which can only be negotiated when the UK is effectively a "third country".

This document is a plan; it will be subject to adjustments and updates as the situation evolves.