Joint statement from the UK government and European Commission following the 14th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights on 6 June 2024:
The 14th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 6 June 2024 in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK government. Representatives from EU member states were also in attendance.
The EU and the UK discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement, with a focus on the non-permanent and the permanent right of residence. The meeting also allowed both sides to take stock of outstanding issues, as well as progress made.
The EU focused on 2 issues, the implementation the UK High Court’s ruling in relation to the case brought by the Independent Monitoring Authority concerning residence status under the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and legal clarity for EU citizens, who hold a residence status under the EUSS, as to whether their rights are guaranteed by the Withdrawal Agreement or by domestic law. The EU also raised travel incidents affecting EU citizens who are Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries.
The UK raised the evidencing of permanent residence rights by Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries in member states, the provision of appointments to acquire residence cards and guidance on evidence needed. The UK also raised family reunification rights and the provision of free visas for joining family members.
The EU and the UK also discussed the EU’s EES (Entry/Exit System), ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) and the UK’s ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), from the perspective of the Withdrawal Agreement and their implications for beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement.
A part of the meeting was dedicated to engagement with external representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU.
The EU and the UK recalled the commitment expressed by the 2 parties at the level of the Joint Committee to ensure the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement. The co-chairs agreed to meet again in the autumn.