The European Commission has proposed a number of specific contingency measures to ensure basic reciprocal air and road connectivity between the EU and the UK.
The commission proposals, which also cover fishing, have been outlined in an official statement published earlier today.
EU President von der Leyen said that the measures were being put forward due to the possibility that any approved deal would unlikely be ratified on time:
“Negotiations are still ongoing. However, given that the end of the transition is very near, there is no guarantee that if and when an agreement is found, it can enter into force on time. Our responsibility is to be prepared for all eventualities, including not having a deal in place with the UK on 1 January 2021. That is why we are coming forward with these measures today”.
The proposal that concerns road transport is a regulation covering basic connectivity with regard to both road freight, and road passenger transport for 6 months, provided the UK assures the same to EU hauliers.
There are also proposals regarding fisheries, air connectivity and air safety. The full statement can be read here.
Photo credit: Ian Capper / Geograph UK