YOU ARE
A BRITISH CITIZEN

The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union has resulted in the closure of the UK SOLVIT center on 31 December 2020. As a result, the SOLVIT network is no longer able to deal with UK-related queries for which the cooperation or intervention of the administration of that country would be necessary. Nevertheless, the SOLVIT network may, on a case-by-case basis and after an in-depth study of the facts, offer its mediation to resolve problems related to the United Kingdom which would not require the intervention of the British administration. For more information, please visit https://ec.europa.eu/solvit/info/uk_en.htm.

The Solvit network aims to help citizens and businesses in the application and enforcement of their rights under European Union law. In the event of a decision by a public authority that does not comply with EU law, the citizen or business can contact the Solvit network, which will assess the admissibility of the complaint and will endeavor to find a solution that complies with EU law. Union. Solvit intervenes in all areas of EU law, whether it is the entry or residence of European citizens, their rights to social security, the recognition of their professional qualifications, the exchange of their driving license or market access or mutual recognition.

The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020. In accordance with the withdrawal agreement, the United Kingdom has entered a transition period which will end, unless an extension is decided upon, by July 1, 2020, on December 31, 2020.

During this transition period, British nationals continue to benefit from all the rights they derive from European Union law. Consequently, the Solvit centers continue to process all complaints submitted by British nationals, with however only one limitation: British citizens who have lost their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections in the Member States as well as In the European Parliament elections since February 1, 2020, the Solvit centers are no longer competent to deal with complaints relating to their electoral rights.

EU citizens also continue to enjoy their rights under EU law when traveling to or staying in the UK during this transition period. Complaints directed against the UK authorities and submitted by EU nationals or UK nationals returning to the UK continue to be handled by the UK Solvit centre.

Finally, the Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom provides for the protection of the rights of EU citizens residing or working in the United Kingdom and British nationals residing or working in the EU, during the transitional period. These people can benefit from a new residence permit with certain related rights. These titles are based on the principles of the right of residence arising from the European Directive 2004/38/EC. Consequently, SOLVIT centers may have to deal with complaints lodged by British citizens concerning applications for the residence permits provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement. Similarly, the British Solvit center remains competent to handle complaints from EU nationals relating to the issuance of the specific status ("settled status") established in the United Kingdom.

At the end of the transition period, people with a complaint being processed within the Solvit network will be informed in good time of the procedures for handling their complaints by the Solvit network.