
Countries / Territories
- 🌐
Related contacts
Related offices
Related content
Related contacts
Related offices
Related content
Related contacts
Related offices
Related content
By: Jo Antoons
Ever since the result of the UK referendum was announced, the leit motif of all public statements made by EU representatives has been: no negotiation before notification. Although informal discussions – not negotiations – may be taking place, it would seem that both the EU and the UK are striving to agree on a position internally before taking a seat at the negotiation table. Whereas in the UK some preferences seem to be emerging (Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out the use of points based immigration system), the EU has been relatively silent on how they envisage the future immigration relationship with the UK.
Yet, throughout the summer EU leaders met on several occasions to discuss what post-Brexit EU could look like. On August 18, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, met with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council. Four days later, Angela Merkel, François Hollande and Matteo Renzi gathered in Italy to discuss the future of the EU without the UK. These informal meetings have not resulted in any remarkable declarations. Merkel simply stated: ‘We respect Great Britain's decision but we also want to make clear that the other 27 are banking on a safe and prospering Europe’.
While it is still unclear which institution will lead withdrawal negotiations on behalf of the EU (the European Commission or the Council), both institutions have announced their negotiation leaders. Didier Seeuws – former chief of staff of the former European Council President Herman van Rompuy – will be the Council’s head of negotiations. Michel Barnier (former European Commissioner) has been appointed as chief negotiator on behalf of the Commission, in charge of preparing and conducting the negotiations with the UK. He will take up his position on 1 October 2016.
To add even more to the confusion, the European Parliament also nominated a point man for Brexit negotiations: Guy Verhofstadt (Belgian Member of the European Parliament). Although the European Parliament does not have a formal role in the negotiation process, it will certainly be involved from the very beginning and informed throughout the process. In fact, the Council needs to obtain the Parliament’s consent before concluding the withdrawal agreement. This was also the stressed by Verhofstadt during a press conference in Strasbourg on September 13.
The following day, the President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker delivered his long-awaited State of the Union speech. He emphasised three main ideas:
- EU leaders prefer to see the withdrawal notification delivered as soon as possible, to enable the EU and the UK to rebuild their relationship on a friendly basis. Indeed – as Verhofstadt underlined, the EU wants the withdrawal process completed with an agreement in place before the end of this legislative term, i.e. 2019.
- There cannot be a Single Market à la carte. The free movement of citizens is part of the Single Market, which means that full access to the Single Market implies an acceptance of the free movement rules.
- The EU regrets, but accepts the UK’s decision. Although it is an important topic, Brexit must not dominate the European agenda.
Countries / Territories
- 🌐
Related contacts
Related offices
Related content
Related contacts
Related offices
Related content
Related contacts
Related offices
Related content
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

