The UK government has accused the European Union of potentially breaching the Brexit withdrawal agreement by failing to adequately protect the rights of British expats living on the continent. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove warned that many EU member states have not provided sufficient time or guidance for UK nationals to register their residency status, creating a 'major imbalance' between the UK and EU approaches to citizens' rights.
In a letter to European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic, Gove highlighted that while the UK granted EU nationals 27 months to apply for settled status, several EU countries have yet to outline their plans, with some considering a mere six-month window. He noted that application processes in many nations are complex, requiring paperwork and face-to-face meetings that may be impossible due to the pandemic, and that vulnerable citizens are not receiving adequate support.
Gove also pointed to 'localised incidents' where British citizens faced obstacles in exchanging driving licences or buying property. He stressed that the withdrawal agreement places obligations on the EU as a whole, and that UK nationals must be able to rely on their guaranteed rights. The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier responded by saying he expects member states to take a common approach to honouring commitments, but added that the EU will be equally attentive to the treatment of EU nationals in the UK.
The row comes amid tense trade negotiations between the UK and EU, with both sides accusing each other of unreasonable demands. The EU has warned that progress is disappointing, while Downing Street insists it is approaching talks constructively. The latest round of negotiations is set to conclude on Friday, with the UK resisting calls to extend the transition period due to the coronavirus crisis.
Separately, the European Commission has launched legal proceedings against the UK for allegedly violating EU free movement laws since 2014 by preventing first-time job seekers from remaining in the country for at least six months while looking for work. The UK has four months to respond to the Commission's letter.
