Brussels: The European Parliament group on the Brexit negotiations has made a condemnatory assessment of British proposals on the rights of EU citizens after the UK leaves the European Union, further indication of how difficult it is expected The biannual negotiations should be held.
In a letter to EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and seen by The Associated Press, the group said that “the UK does not respect the principles of reciprocity, symmetry and non-discrimination.” In addition, he said that according to UK proposals June 26, EU citizens in Britain would be looking “nothing less than relegation to the second class category.”
The rights of citizens in the nations of the other are considered the first issue that both sides must resolve.
“It is clear that we will not approve any agreement that would diminish the rights of EU citizens in the UK or UK citizens in the EU,” said Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit head of the European Parliament.
Although Barnier leads negotiations for the EU as a whole, the European Parliament still has a veto over any agreement.
British Prime Minister Theresa May had expressed her views on protecting the rights of citizens at an EU summit in late June and the other EU leaders felt indignant at what she called a ” Offer “generous”.
After carefully studying the details, the European Parliament’s Brexit Steering Group was much more definitive and said that too much of Britain’s upbeat conversation was just a smoke screen. He said it would not be good enough for the legislature.
“The rights of EU citizens in the UK will be reduced to a lower level than third-country nationals in the EU,” the letter to Barnier said.
“The language of aspiration used in relation to rights as important as the right to health or the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications does not provide the necessary guarantees.”
“Above all,” added the four-page letter, full of scathing comments, EU citizens in Britain would not have “lifelong protection.”
The EU Parliament wants citizens on both sides to receive “fair treatment” and their rights “with full priority in the negotiations.”
Along with citizens’ rights, Brexit negotiators must first address the substantial bill that Britain will have to pay to leave the EU and the problems surrounding the border in Ireland.
