July 11, 2017

The study on services and establishment post-Brexit addresses the challenges Brexit will pose to the future of trade in services between the EU and the UK. It discusses the specific barriers to cross-border establishment and trade in services and possible solutions for a future EU-UK trade agreement. It takes existing EU Free Trade Agreements with other states into consideration.

The study on consumer protection examines the impact that the UK’s withdrawal from the EU will have on consumer protection under different scenarios: (i) future EEA membership of the UK; (ii) a relationship governed only by WTO rules; and (iii) a relationship governed by a “tailor-made agreement”. It comes to the conclusion that from the perspective of consumers in the EU28, an EEA membership of the UK is the most favourable scenario. Irrespective of the scenario, adequate transitory provisions taking into consideration the “two-step” negotiating schedule are necessary to resolve legal uncertainties.

The study on the European Parliament explores its role and powers in the Brexit process. It describes the challenges and relevant steps and stages of the process and highlights the significance of agreements to be concluded between the EU and the UK. On that basis, Parliament’s mandate and powers in substantial terms as well as its involvement in the procedure are outlined. Some options are highlighted to enable the Parliament to adequately fulfil its mandate and play its role in the process.

All three studies were provided at the request of the European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. To access the studies, click here.