09 July 2020

The European Commission published its latest communication on Brexit, “Getting ready for changes – Communication on readiness at the end of the transition period between the European Union and the United Kingdom“, A COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS. 

As the end of the transition period approaches, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU acquis, the Internal Market and the Customs Union will inevitably create barriers to trade and cross-border exchanges that do not exist today. The European Commission states that there will be broad and far-reaching consequences for public administrations, businesses and citizens as of 1 January 2021, regardless of the outcome of negotiations.

Read the latest notice here:

With respect to Passenger rights, the document states:

“During the transition period, Union law on passenger rights for air, rail, bus, coach and ship,
including assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, continues to apply to
passengers departing from the United Kingdom to an EU Member State, irrespective of
whether the carrier is a UK or a Union carrier.

As of 1 January 2021, the level of protection of passengers travelling between the EU and
the United Kingdom will be affected. Depending on the transport mode, passengers may no
longer be protected by EU passenger rights when travelling to or from the United Kingdom.”

To date, 59 readiness notices have been published since 16 March 2020 with a view to
supporting stakeholder preparations for the end of the transition period. They can be found
here. This list will continue to be updated on a regular basis as new notices become available.

Read the most relevant consumer protection-related notices below:

Consumer protection and passenger rights

Data protection

E-commerce

Geo-blocking

Online purchase with subsequent parcel delivery