“We are troubled as we watch the process of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU. This is a development without victors and with unforeseen consequences for the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union. The only sure thing is that the in order to limit the negative effects of BREXIT, the withdrawal must be carried out in an orderly manner, based on the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement”, Ms Sia Anagnostopoulou stressed.
Clarifying what “without an agreement” means for business and commercial transactions, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs stated: “It means that, on 30 March 2019, the United Kingdom will be a non-EU country. Our trade relations, at least temporarily, or until another arrangement has been agreed upon, will be subject to the regulations of the International Trade Organization, without preferential treatment.”
Laying out the legislative, business, administrative and other technical measures that the Greek Government has taken in the event of a “no deal,” the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that:
- A targeted emergency action plan has been drawn up, which will coordinate the actions of the co-competent services of Greek public administration. The competent services of the Ministries are already processing the measures of a technical, administrative or other nature which will need to be adopted in the event of a no deal. The action plan will be ready to be implemented at the end of March 2019, should a no deal result.
- Legislation that includes provisions for citizens’ rights, financial services and other related issues has been provided for. The main plan for the issues that will arise from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU is expected to be submitted to Parliament shortly.
- A website has been created for Brexit (https://brexit.gov.gr/) which includes information for citizens and business, economic, and professional organisations. The website will be updated regularly.
- Immediate strengthening of the consular office of the Embassy in London has been foreseen, in order to meet the increased needs that shall arise for Greek citizens.
- Increased staff have been provided for at customs offices and police services at the country’s points of entry/exit, should this be deemed necessary by the competent authorities, and accordingly by the needs that shall arise.
- Briefing of enterprises, should this be deemed necessary, and according to the political developments, shall be continuous.
March 6, 2019