On 6 June 2024, the UK government and European Commission met in Brussels for the 14th Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights. The meeting assessed the implementation of citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, addressing residency, family reunification, and travel systems.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to ensuring these rights are fully respected and agreed to reconvene in the autumn.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
Focus on Residency Rights
EU Concerns:
- High Court Ruling Implementation: The EU emphasized the need for the UK to implement the High Court’s ruling concerning the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Legal Clarity: EU citizens sought clarification on whether their rights are guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement or by UK domestic law.
- Travel Incidents: The EU raised concerns about travel incidents affecting EU citizens who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement.
UK Concerns:
- Permanent Residence Evidence: The UK highlighted the difficulties faced by Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries in proving their permanent residence rights in EU member states.
- Appointments and Guidance: Issues were raised about the provision of appointments for residence cards and the guidance on required evidence.
- Family Reunification: The UK addressed the need for clear policies on family reunification rights and the provision of free visas for joining family members.
Travel Systems Discussion
The meeting also delved into the implications of new travel systems on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries. These systems include:
- EU’s EES (Entry/Exit System)
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
- UK’s ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
Engagement with Civil Society
A portion of the meeting was dedicated to engaging with representatives from civil society organisations. These organisations represent EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU. This engagement ensures that the voices of those directly affected by the Withdrawal Agreement are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Commitment to Full Implementation
Both the UK and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement’s provisions on citizens’ rights. The co-chairs agreed to meet again in the autumn to review progress and address any ongoing issues.
Summary of Key Points
- The UK and EU discussed the implementation of citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
- Focus areas included residency rights, family reunification, and the implications of new travel systems.
- Civil society representatives were engaged to ensure the concerns of affected citizens are addressed.
Key Issues |
EU Focus |
UK Focus |
|---|---|---|
| High Court Ruling | Implementation of the ruling related to the EU Settlement Scheme | Not applicable |
| Legal Clarity | Rights under the Withdrawal Agreement vs. UK domestic law | Not applicable |
| Travel Incidents | Incidents affecting EU citizens | Not applicable |
| Permanent Residence Evidence | Not applicable | Evidencing permanent residence rights in EU member states |
| Appointments and Guidance | Not applicable | Provision of appointments and guidance on required evidence |
| Family Reunification | Not applicable | Family reunification rights and provision of free visas |
| Travel Systems | EES and ETIAS | ETA |
| Civil Society Engagement | Engagement with civil society organisations representing EU citizens | Engagement with civil society organisations representing UK nationals |
In Conclusion
The 14th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU are respected under the Withdrawal Agreement.
By addressing key issues and engaging with civil society, the UK and EU demonstrate their commitment to upholding these rights. The next meeting in the autumn will provide an opportunity to review progress and tackle any remaining challenges.
Sources: THX News & Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
