Published: 16 June 2020  (Updated: 16 June 2020)

Brexit Updates – UK/EU Negotiations

On 12 June 2020, the second meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee was held by video conference.  The meeting was co-chaired by the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, and EU Commission Vice President, Maroš Šefčovič, and attended by delegations which included Member State representatives and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The meeting was aimed at a general update on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement more generally, on which both sides have made good progress, and which is linked with the negotiations on the UK/EU future relationship.  More details on the post-meeting commentary have been published by both the UK Government and the EU Commission.

It is important to highlight that at the meeting the UK confirmed its decision not to extend the transition period.  According to the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has until the end of June to formally request an extension of the Brexit transition period.

On 15 June 2020, the UK Prime Minister met with the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli.  

  • The UK confirmed it will not extend the transition period.
  • The Parties welcomed the constructive discussions on the future relationship that had taken place under the leadership of Chief Negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier, allowing both sides to clarify and further understand positions.
  • The Parties supported the plans agreed by Chief Negotiators to intensify the negotiations in July and to create the most conducive conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal before the end of 2020.

More information can be found on the UK Government website.

Members of CTPA and non-member companies are therefore urged to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period set for 31 December 2020.  CTPA advice can be found on the CTPA Brexit Advice for Members and on the Public Advice page.  CTPA will continue to provide updates on the negotiations and the progress of the UK legislations applicable to cosmetics.

Companies can further consult this House of Commons Library report on the Brexit timelines, highlighting the past and future events.

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