The EU has repeatedly stressed that it favours an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the Union. It concluded a withdrawal agreement with the UK to ensure the two parties can continue to collaborate on various issues to their mutual benefit. Nevertheless the EU has adopted measures to reduce the impact of a possible no-deal Brexit.

These measures cannot replicate the advantages of being part of the EU. They are temporary, unilateral measures. Some will require the UK’s reciprocity in order for them to come in force.

Long-term solutions depend on future discussions between the EU and the UK.

See below for the measures preparing the EU for a no-deal Brexit:

Visas

Brits will be able to enter the EU without a visa for short periods provided the same applies to people from the EU travelling to the UK.

Aviation

UK airlines would be able to provide services to EU countries provided EU companies are also able to do so to the UK, for seven months after it leaves. As the UK was granted an extension earlier this year and is now due to leave at a later date, a new proposal provides for contingency measures to be extended.

Rail services

The validity of rail safety authorisations would be extended to ensure the continuity of rail services between the UK and the EU, provided the UK does the same.

Road transport

Freight transport and bus and coach operators from the UK would be able to provide services between Britain and the EU, provided the UK provides equivalent access to EU companies.

Social security

EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU would keep social security benefits acquired before the withdrawal.

Education, research and agriculture

UK researchers, students and farmers should continue to get EU support in 2020, provided the UK pays it share into the EU budget. The measure includes programmes such as Horizon 2020, Erasmus+ and agriculture and regional policies.

Peace process in Northern Ireland

Funding for bilateral peace programmes in Northern Ireland would continue until at least 2020 to help support the peace and reconciliation process started by the Good Friday agreement.

Fishing

If the UK agrees to full reciprocity of access to fishing waters, an easy procedure is in place for companies to obtain authorisation to fish. Quota swapping would still be allowed until these measures end on 31 December. A new proposal provides for contingency measures to be extended to cover 2020.

If the UK does not agree, EU firms banned from UK waters could be eligible for compensation from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Defence

EU firms will still be able to export certain items used for civilian and military purposes to the UK.

EU citizens in the UK

Depending on their circumstances, EU citizens living in the UK may need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before 31 December 2020 if they wish to stay. For details, check this UK government website.

British citizens in the EU

British citizens living in the EU need to check with the authorities of the country in which they live as arrangements vary.

Help with impact

EU countries severely affected could receive financial aid from the EU Solidarity Fund, under a proposal that still needs to be approved by the Parliament and the Council before it can enter into force.

Under a separate proposal, workers in the EU who have been made redundant as a result of Brexit could receive support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. This was approved by Parliament on 22 October.