According to the President, some progress has been achieved in the negotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. However, both parties face a difficult task – to establish a new model of EU-U.K. relationship. Lithuania‘s priorities include level playing field for travel, studies and work in the United Kingdom ensured to Lithuanian people and all EU citizens as well as close security and trade partnership with the United Kingdom.
EU leaders underscored that the agreement on future relationship had to ensure favorable conditions for people’s mobility. EU citizens cannot be discriminated against in getting social guarantees or the acknowledgement of their professional qualifications in the United Kingdom.
Russia‘s chemical attack in the United Kingdom demonstrated that security challenges go beyond Brexit. To this end, the negotiations will focus on ensuring the closest possible cooperation in security and defense.
EU heads of state or government also agreed to aim for the free trade with the United Kingdom to cover as many areas as possible while protecting the fundamental EU freedoms. The U.K. is the fifth largest economy in the world and a key export partner of Lithuania; therefore, an ambitious free trade agreement is also important for Lithuanian businesses.
The draft guidelines also include separate agreements on air and road transport that would ensure uninterrupted communication between the United Kingdom and EU member states.
