The UK will formally leave the European Union on 31 January 2020, leaving many questions and concerns for both British citizens living throughout the EU, as well as EU citizens living in the United Kingdom.
The UK was due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, in accordance with the EU’s Article 50 exit process, however the EU agreed upon three extensions taking us to 31 January this year, after the original withdrawal agreement was rejected several times in the UK parliament.
The UK Embassy and UK Ambassador to Italy is hosting Q&A events throughout Italy to update and inform British citizens living in Italy about their rights and responsibilities after Brexit. Here are the details for forthcoming events currently scheduled :
ou can find out more
*tba: Milan event to be added shortly (I will add details in the comments section later)
Similar events have been held recently, for example in Macerate (8 January), Rome (16 January) Bologna and Milan (October 2019)
Brexit Transition period from January 31 until 31 December, 2020
After the official Brexit date of 31 January, the UK and the EU will enter a transition period, intended to last until 31 December 2020.
The Italian government has confirmed that freedom of movement throughout the EU will remain for British citizens during the implementation period, however the right of British nationals to vote in Italian local elections or in the European elections will be lost immediately after the UK leaves the EU on 31 January.
Although little is expected to change immediately after 31 January courtesy of the transition period, any British citizens who have not yet registered formally (legally) in Italy as a resident, should do so in good time before the end of the implementation period, in order to retain residency and other rights. This is due to the fact the Withdrawal Agreement provides lifelong rights for those legally resident in Italy by 31 December 2020, being rights to residency, healthcare and social security.
New Italian ‘residence-confirmation’ document
More information is expected to arrive from the Italian government shortly, about the residency documentation/permit that UK nationals can obtain in Italy after Brexit, which will act to confirm residential rights protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. UK citizens will have until June 2021 to obtain this confirmatory residence document.
You can also refer to the Italian government website advice ..
Future relationship
After 31 January, the UK will be free to negotiate and sign new trade deals with countries that have no existing EU deals, however the main priority during the transition period is to negotiate a trade deal with the EU. Formal talks can only begin in March as advised by the EU commission, and the UK will be hoping to secure a deal with as much access as possible for UK goods and services in the EU market, whilst avoiding tariffs and other trade barriers after the transition period ends.
It’s not just a trade deal that needs to be sorted out, the UK and EU will need to agree on all aspects of their new (future) relationship including how the UK will cooperate on security and law enforcement.
If you’ve got any insights or concerns consider leaving them in the comments section below.
