Brexit negotiators want to offer Brits the chance to remain as individual EU citizens, the European Parliament’s chief negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, has confirmed.
The proposal revealed by The Independent would see Brits offered “associate citizenship,” leaving them free to move, live, and work throughout the EU, as well as vote in European Parliament elections.
Verhofstadt, who has been appointed by the EU to lead negotiations with the British government, said that the “very important” proposal would be in his negotiating mandate, as it has “captured the imagination and hopes” of many Brits who want to retain their rights as EU citizens.
Depending on how EU negotiators approach the issue, the idea will likely need to be approved by the British government.
Verhofstadt and the European Parliament’s Committee on constitutional affairs are drawing up a report that will propose long-term changes to the EU’s structure.
Liberal MP Charles Goerens proposed that a measure allowing Brits to keep their EU citizenship as individuals be included in the report, but it will now bypass that process and be fast-tracked to move forward on its own.
In its original form, the provision would offer: “European associate citizenship for those who feel and wish to be part of the European project but are nationals of a former Member State; offers these associate citizens the rights of freedom of movement and to reside on its territory as well as being represented in the Parliament through a vote in the European elections on the European lists.”
Read more: Europe’s top negotiator wants to offer Brits EU citizenship as individuals after Brexit — RT UK
The proposal revealed by The Independent would see Brits offered “associate citizenship,” leaving them free to move, live, and work throughout the EU, as well as vote in European Parliament elections.
Verhofstadt, who has been appointed by the EU to lead negotiations with the British government, said that the “very important” proposal would be in his negotiating mandate, as it has “captured the imagination and hopes” of many Brits who want to retain their rights as EU citizens.
Depending on how EU negotiators approach the issue, the idea will likely need to be approved by the British government.
Verhofstadt and the European Parliament’s Committee on constitutional affairs are drawing up a report that will propose long-term changes to the EU’s structure.
Liberal MP Charles Goerens proposed that a measure allowing Brits to keep their EU citizenship as individuals be included in the report, but it will now bypass that process and be fast-tracked to move forward on its own.
In its original form, the provision would offer: “European associate citizenship for those who feel and wish to be part of the European project but are nationals of a former Member State; offers these associate citizens the rights of freedom of movement and to reside on its territory as well as being represented in the Parliament through a vote in the European elections on the European lists.”
Read more: Europe’s top negotiator wants to offer Brits EU citizenship as individuals after Brexit — RT UK
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