Government pays special attention to the rights and business interests of Lithuanian citizens after Brexit BREXIT

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a compendium of legislative measures needed to prepare for the possible no-deal withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

‘These legislative measures aim at the mitigation of the negative effects of the UK withdrawal and, the consolidation of Lithuania’s national interests and close relations with the strategically important partner in line with the uniform principles, as well as ensuring the legitimate expectations of the citizens and businesses from both countries. We will do our best to ensure that Lithuanian citizens do not experience any legal misunderstandings hindering their rights’, said Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis. 

Legislative measures drawn up by ministries and other public authorities provide for a transitional period, unless this is in conflict with EU law, by the end of 2020 or later. They propose to take into account the possible extension of the EU-UK negotiation period, or to apply a transitional period before the new legal regulation of the EU and the UK takes effect, or until the entry into force of the regulation by multilateral, bilateral international treaties or international inter-agency agreements.

The main goal is to achieve that UK’s no-deal withdrawal from the EU causes as few negative consequences as possible for Lithuanian citizens and businesses in the UK, and UK citizens and businesses in Lithuania.

The legislative measures also aim at facilitating the preservation of citizens’ rights acquired prior to the withdrawal and ensuring the continuity of business operations, while maintaining as far as possible the existing legal framework bringing the UK in the same line as the countries of the EU and the European Economic Area. 

Special focus will be on the availability of consular services to Lithuanian citizens residing in the UK. The plans are to increase the number of consuls in the Embassy in London, and relevant legislation regarding the outsourcing of service providers is in the pipeline to ensure a more efficient handling of documents in London and other UK regions.

Source: Government of the Republic of Lithuania