UK and EU Engage on Citizens’ Rights Post-Brexit
The 17th session of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights took place on 18 December 2025 in London, with representatives from the UK Government and the European Commission co-chairing the meeting. This gathering was attended by delegates from EU Member States, all focused on reviewing the execution of the Citizens’ Rights component of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Reviewing the Withdrawal Agreement
The primary aim of the meeting was to ensure the effective, prompt, and thorough implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, particularly its second part, which pertains to citizens’ rights. Both parties took this opportunity to assess the advancements made over the last five years while identifying elements requiring future attention.
Annual Reports Presented
Officials from the UK’s Independent Monitoring Authority and the European Commission shared their Annual Reports for 2024, as mandated by Article 159 of the Withdrawal Agreement. These reports are crucial in monitoring the status of citizens’ rights as the two sides navigate their post-Brexit relationship.
Voices from Civil Society
Attendees from various civil society organisations, representing both EU citizens residing in the UK and UK nationals living within the EU, contributed their insights regarding the practical implementation of citizens’ rights. Their participation underscored the commitment to adhere to the established rules of procedure during discussions.
Legislative Developments and Concerns
The co-chairs acknowledged recent legislative progress following the passing of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, which addresses the concerns regarding EU citizens with status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). They expressed anticipation for the effective application of these new legal provisions.
Moreover, both the UK and EU representatives emphasised the need for a smooth transition to permanent residency for eligible citizens over the next year. The UK government raised issues pertaining to the difficulties faced by UK nationals in securing permanent residence documents before their temporary statuses expire, highlighting concerns about status curtailment and a high refusal rate in certain Member States, along with data quality issues in the Commission’s annual report.
Conversely, the EU pointed to the substantial number of EU citizens who have not yet secured settled status, while welcoming the initial phase of automating the application process. However, the EU noted that few individuals with pre-settled status have benefitted from this automation thus far. They also stressed the need for procedural protections and addressed concerns over the processing of late applications, especially for newborns.
Forward Commitments
Both parties reiterated their dedication to the comprehensive implementation of Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement. They celebrated the progress achieved thus far and committed to tightening their collaborative efforts on all related matters. The co-chairs scheduled a follow-up meeting for spring 2026.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/citizens-rights-specialised-committee-meeting-18-december-2025-joint-statement
