EU-UK: Joint Committee adopts the practical arrangements of the Windsor Framework

The tenth meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee and the second meeting of the EU-UK Association Council were held in London, where the Joint Committee adopted a decision setting out the practical arrangements for the Windsor Framework.

Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, representing the European Union, and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, representing the United Kingdom, took part. At the end of both meetings, the parties issued a joint statement.

Joint Committee

The Joint Committee adopted a decision laying down the arrangements relating to the Windsor Framework. This decision covers, amongst others, the arrangements for the movement of goods not at risk of entering the Single Market, the “Stormont Brake”, and VAT and excise-related solutions, including the establishment of the Enhanced Coordination Mechanism for VAT and excise.

A series of Recommendations, Joint Declarations and Unilateral Declarations have also been published, clarifying how different aspects of the Windsor Framework will work in practice, e.g. State aid or market surveillance.

Both sides also discussed the issue of citizens’ rights. They agreed on the importance of continuing to protect EU citizens and UK nationals and welcomed the efforts made over the past year to do so, including additional funding provided by both sides to external organisations. Solutions to all other relevant issues on citizens’ rights will continue to be worked on.

Partnership Council

In the Partnership Council, the EU and the UK reaffirmed their desire to exploit fully the potential of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in ways that benefit both parties. The two co-chairs discussed cooperation in a range of crucial areas, including energy, trade and security. They will remain in regular contact and will meet again to take stock of the work of the Committees under the TCA.

The European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom reach a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework

Next steps

The Joint Committee decision and recommendations entered into force on 25 March. Certain parts will become applicable in a gradual way. For example, the new and expanded trusted trader scheme for freight will start applying on 30 September 2023, provided that the relevant safeguards are in place.

In order to fully implement the wide range of joint solutions announced in Windsor, the Commission tabled on 27 February three legislative proposals on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules, medicines and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs). The Commission is working closely with the European Parliament and the Council for their swift adoption over the coming months.

The EU and the UK will work closely together, in good faith, to ensure the full implementation of the Windsor Framework, including the full implementation of safeguards and facilitations.

More information: European Comission