ECONOMIC/TRADE ISSUES

On 25 February 2020, the European Council adopted its decision to authorise the opening of the future partnership negotiations with the UK. Then, on 27 February, the UK published its own negotiating mandate for trade talks with the EU. Though both sides show a willingness to negotiate, a clash is expected on, among others, a “Canada style” agreement which the UK is seeking, and a level playing field in matters such as environmental and labour law, which the EU is pushing for. More

On 29 January 2020, the UK Government website updated its information on intellectual property rights from the occurrence of Brexit, i.e., during the transition period. It notes that, during this time, EU law will continue to operate as it does now in the UK. The Intellectual Property (IP) system will continue as it is until 31 December 2020. More

On 9 January 2020, British MPs gave their final backing to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill ensuring that the UK will leave the EU on schedule by 31 January 2020. This will lead to the eleven-month transition period where the UK will no longer be a member of the EU but will continue to follow its rules until 31 December 2020. More

After being forced to break his pledge to bring the UK out of the EU by 31 October 2019, the UK Prime Minister was obliged to accept an extension to Brexit until 31 January 2020. In response to this, the Prime Minister has successfully, after several previous failed attempts, passed legislation for an election to take place on 12 December where voters will be asked to break the Brexit deadlock. More