Even if Britain crashes out of the EU in a disorderly Brexit, Cyprus will protect the rights of 60,000 British citizens living on the island.
Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides sent a letter to UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jeremy Hunt regarding the issue of citizens’ rights following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
In his letter, the Minister clarifies that in the case of a no-deal Brexit Cyprus stands ready to ensure that those British citizens residing in Cyprus presently, and until 29 March 2019, will be able to continue residing and enjoying the same rights as provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Although “Cyprus deeply regrets the UK’s withdrawal from the EU”, Christodoulides said that Nicosia fully respects the relevant decision and that Cyprus advocates for a strong relationship between the EU and the UK post-Brexit, recognizing that maintaining close cooperation in crucial fields will be beneficial to all.
“Cyprus believes that an ambitious EU-UK future relationship is best secured through an orderly withdrawal. The Withdrawal Agreement, as agreed, is the best way forward and provides much needed certainty for our citizens and businesses, whilst mitigating, to the extent possible, the negative Brexit repercussions,” the Minister said.
Moreover, in his letter Christodoulides points out that Cyprus is preparing, in close cooperation with the EU and other Member States, for all outcomes, including that of a no-deal exit.
He said that citizens’ rights remain high on Cyprus’ agenda and Nicosia welcomed the UK government decision to unilaterally apply the same approach provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement, for all EU citizens residing in the UK, safeguarding in this way their rights of residence and access to benefits on the same terms as they presently enjoy, in the event that the UK were to leave the EU without an agreement.
"In the case of a no-deal Brexit, Cyprus stands ready to ensure that those British citizens residing in Cyprus presently, and until 29 March 2019, will be able to continue residing and enjoying the same rights as provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Necessary arrangements mirroring the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement will be taken, so as to protect, to the extent possible, their current rights".
Christodoulides said, in certain areas, a uniform application of such rights by all Member States must be secured, for the benefit of citizens, and as such measures are to be taken at Union level and reciprocal arrangements should be sought.
