UK and EEA EFTA States sign Brexit agreement

The UK and EEA EFTA States have signed an agreement to protect citizens’ rights and resolve wider separation issues when the UK leaves the EU.

The agreement, signed by the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, largely mirrors the Withdrawal Agreement previously negotiated with the EU.

It means the rights of 17,000 UK nationals living in the EEA EFTA States and 15,000 EEA EFTA nationals living in the UK will be protected post Brexit. At the end of the Transition Period they will be able to enjoy broadly the same rights as they do now. It also resolves a small number of other issues arising from the UK’s exit from the EU.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay signed the agreement on behalf of the UK, alongside representatives of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

“This agreement underlines the importance of our relationships with our close friends and allies in the EEA EFTA states,” said Barclay.

“It will protect the rights of citizens and provide certainty to business as the UK leaves the EU, ensuring an orderly withdrawal and smooth transition as we put in place new arrangements for our future relationship with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.”

Article published 29th January 2020