There is an agreement on the post-Brexit transitional phasewhich cannot exceed 21 months.
“We have a legal text” of the Brexit farewell deal that covers “most of the issues”. This was announced by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, The agreement is "complete" on citizens' rights and divorce. However, the Irish question remains to be closed for which the EU could decide to play the "annexation" card in the single market and in the customs union, effectively breaking up the United Kingdom.
“It is a decisive stage but it remains a stage,” warned Barnier nonetheless. He has been found "an agreement also on the transitional period of limited duration" for Brexit, added Barnier, underlining that EU citizens who arrive in the UK during the transition will have the same rights as those who arrived before Brexit. London will not have a say in any decision, it will have to comply with all EU obligations but will also enjoy the resulting benefits including the internal market.
In detail, regarding European citizens, the rights of those currently living in the UK will not be affected. Not only that: during the transition phase, immigrants from other EU countries will be able to continue to go to work or study freely in the United Kingdom enjoying the same current rights, including the right to stay there forever by acquiring permanent residence. In parallel, the European Court of Justice will continue to have jurisdiction over Great Britain for the next 21 months. Decisions they represent two clear victories for Brussels, given that London wanted to extend these rights only to those who had been on its territory by the Brexit date.
On the other front, the British will have the opportunity to negotiate and sign commercial agreements with third countries during the transitional phase, but these will not be able to enter into force until the official exit of the United Kingdom from the EU. "We have worked hard and quickly - Minister Davis said during the press conference held with Barnier - and these agreements should give confidence to citizens and businesses".
Diplomats holding Brexit talks for EU member states have been summoned for an urgent meeting, union officials told Reuters news agency.
