EU Sues UK Over Brexit Treaty Breach on Free Movement

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The European Commission has initiated legal action against the United Kingdom, accusing it of violating the terms of the Brexit agreement. This marks the first significant clash between Brussels and London since Keir Starmer's government took office. At the heart of the dispute is Britain’s alleged failure to uphold EU law concerning the free movement of people.  

 

Under the Brexit deal, finalized when the UK officially left the European Union in early 2020, both sides agreed to protect the rights of citizens who had already settled across their respective borders. This meant European nationals and their families living in the UK were to retain their rights to reside, work, and study, while British nationals would have equivalent rights within EU member states. However, the European Commission contends that Britain has not fully complied with these provisions, and has taken the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ).  

 

Although Brexit formally ended the UK's obligation to adhere to EU law, certain aspects of the withdrawal agreement remain under the jurisdiction of the ECJ. This arrangement has been a contentious issue, particularly among pro-Brexit politicians in Britain, who view the continued influence of the European court as undermining UK sovereignty.  

 

In a strongly worded statement, the European Commission criticized the UK’s “shortcomings” in implementing the agreement, asserting that these failures continue to negatively impact EU citizens. "After carefully assessing the replies of the United Kingdom, the Commission maintains that several elements of the grievances remain unaddressed, including on the rights of workers and the rights of extended family members,” the statement read.

 

The Commission emphasized that the violations in question occurred at the end of 2020, shortly after the transition period concluded. It noted that Britain’s actions, or lack thereof, have left unresolved issues that affect the lives of many EU nationals.  

 

As the legal dispute unfolds, it underscores the ongoing tensions and complexities in post-Brexit relations, with both sides striving to navigate the challenges of maintaining commitments while asserting their respective interests.

 

Based on a report by Politico 2024-12-17