Joint statement from the UK government and European Commission following the 15th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights on 14 November 2024:
The 15th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 14 November 2024 in London, co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission. Representatives from EU Member States were also in attendance.
The UK and the EU discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement, under the overall objective of ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the Agreement. In this context, the meeting allowed both sides to take stock of outstanding issues, as well as progress made and to intensify work with a view to ensuring that all citizens who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement can fully enjoy their rights.
The UK discussed the difficulties faced by some UK nationals and their family members to acquire permanent residence rights in Member States, as well as various other issues in the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement’s citizens’ rights provisions including family reunification rights in some Member States. The UK also asked about the possible impact of the EU’s planned Entry/Exit System (EES) on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries who do not hold residence documents which would exempt them from registration in EES.
The EU asked for updates on the implementation of the UK High Court’s ruling on the upgrade to settled status and on the legal clarity for EU citizens as to whether their rights are guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement or by domestic law. The EU also discussed NHS charges for those who submit a residence application after the June 2021 deadline, appeal rights, and travel on a Certificate of Application. The UK’s plans to digitalise all residence documents and its impact on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries were also discussed.
Both parties underlined the importance of administrative preparedness and proper communication. They called on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries concerned to take in good time all necessary measures to facilitate their future travel.
The European Commission and the UK’s Independent Monitoring Authority, established under Article 159(1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, presented their respective Annual Reports for 2023, adopted in accordance with Article 159(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Representatives from civil society organisations, representing UK nationals living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK, attended the meeting and asked questions about the implementation and application of Part Two (Citizens’ Rights) of the Withdrawal Agreement in the EU and the UK, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.
The UK and the EU underlined their ongoing commitment to the full implementation of Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement. The co-chairs agreed to meet again in spring 2025.
