I recently appeared on the Austrian TV news show “Zeit im Bild 2”. You can see the video below (in German). It includes an important message on citizens’ rights.
The Prime Minister has always made clear that citizens’ rights are a priority in the Brexit negotiations. The draft Withdrawal Agreement published in March will secure the rights of EU citizens and their family members living in the UK, and UK nationals living in the EU. Some points – eg on expanding the scope of recognition of qualifications and on onward movement – remain to be negotiated as part of the future relationship discussions.
In her statement of 21 September after the Salzburg Informal Summit, the Prime Minister confirmed that even in the unlikely event of a ‘no deal’ scenario, all EU citizens living in the UK would be able to stay. She said: “There are over 3 million EU citizens living in the UK who will be understandably worried about what the outcome of yesterday’s summit means for their future. I want to be clear with you that even in the event of no deal your rights will be protected. You are our friends, our neighbours our colleagues. We want you to stay.”
The UK is now urging our EU counterparts to offer the same reassurance to UK nationals living in their countries – that they can stay regardless of the outcome of negotiations – as the PM offered EU citizens residing in the UK. Thus, in the video, I note the Prime Minister’s comments on the right of EU citizens resident in the UK, and add: “we would be very thankful if the other 27 EU Member States, including Austria, would say this as well for the one million British citizens who live in these 27 countries. There are for example more than 10,000 living in Austria, and they’re concerned about what would happen in the event of a no-deal if Austria and the other states haven’t said anything.”
If you are a UK national resident in Austria, you might be interested in the outreach events we are organising across the country. At these events you will hear a presentation on the latest stage of the negotiations, and have an opportunity to ask questions. You can find more information about them here.