Greece Tables Brexit Regulations Bill in Parliament

Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis tabled a bill in parliament on January 3, revising the regulatory framework covering details with regard to the UK’s exit on January 31 from the European Union.

It should be reminded that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said there will be no further extension of the post-Brexit transition period beyond December 31.

In the meantime, despite not being an EU member, the UK will continue its trade activities and follow EU rules, which include accepting European Court of Justice rulings, as well as contribute to the EU’s budget.

More specifically, the Greek foreign ministry’s Brexit bill foresees the following:

• Recognition of the right to residency for British citizens and family members who (a) have established residency in Greece up until the withdrawal date (b) will have established residency in Greece by 31 December 2020 (c) those who arrive after 1 January 2021. Also regulated are the conditions of their entry into and exit from the country.

• Coordination of British citizens’ social security and healthcare rights.

• Recognition of British driving licences in Greece and their conversion to Greek driver’s licences.

• The terms and conditions for opening and operating tourism enterprises in Greece by natural and legal persons based in the UK.

• The settlement of financial issues with special provision for the work of insurance and reinsurance companies.

• Meeting the urgent staffing needs of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue’s (AADE) customs services.

• Issues regarding the rights of natural and legal persons that may arise in the case of a no-deal Brexit and are not regulated by Union law, especially with regard to access to employment and recognition of professional and academic qualifications.

The foreign ministry is responsible for ensuring that public agencies are prepared to address post-Brexit issues on technical, administrative, operational, organizational, and legislative levels.