(07 February 2018) – The European Commission has today published a draft text of the transitional arrangements to be included in the Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement, following the United Kingdom’s request to remain in the Single Market and the Customs Union for a short time-limited period after its withdrawal from the European Union on 30 March 2019.
As the UK will remain part of the Single Market and the Customs Union (with all four freedoms) until 31 December 2020, the UK will remain bound by EU law and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
Union acquis will continue to apply in full to and in the UK during this period. Any changes made to the acquis during this time should automatically apply.
As the UK will be a third country as of 30 March 2019, it will no longer be represented in Union institutions, agencies, bodies and offices.
The draft text will now be discussed amongst the EU27 Member States, before being formally transmitted to the United Kingdom.