Insights from UACES 2024: Lived experiences of the WA take centre stage

Earlier this month, speakers from British in Europe, British in Denmark, Brits In Sweden and EuroCitizens Spain took part in the UACES Annual Conference in Trento, Italy.

As members of the Project ICE team, the speakers comprising Jane Golding, Alex Kennan, Nicholas Green and Paula Bleanch (L-R in main photo), brought a unique perspective to the academic forum by highlighting the real-life impacts of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) on UK citizens and their families in Europe. The presentations addressed varying perspectives and experiences, were well received during the track session, and generated significant conversation around the topics raised.

Understanding the Lived Experiences

One of the key messages of the presentation was the importance of recognising, understanding and valuing the lived experiences of UK Citizens in the EU. Jane Golding, Project ICE and WA & Charter Lead shared, ‘It was a positive experience all round and we’re grateful to the UACES conference organisers for giving us the opportunity to share the results of our work at BiE and as part of Project ICE within the European studies academic community.’

Brexit and the Withdrawal Agreement far from just being political shifts, have had life-changing consequences for many, as illustrated in insights shared from Denmark, Sweden and Spain. While multiple factors including the COVID pandemic, fake news and misinformation contributed to many of the issues faced by UK citizens as the deadline for the Withdrawal Agreement approached. In Sweden the effects were particularly stark given that country’s limited communications around the WA, and its emphasis on UK citizens taking a self-informed approach.

These commonalities and difference are not to be underestimated according to Paula Bleanch from British in Denmark. ‘Denmark and Sweden are often lumped together as “Scandinavia” in some discussions on this subject. But they are very different countries culturally and otherwise, so nuances in experiences are important.’ Alex Kennan from Brits in Sweden agrees, ‘This is something that is often overlooked or missed in understanding and addressing the issues experienced by UK citizens in these countries. This is why the work that we do in Sweden and as part of Project ICE is vital. We know first-hand that each case is and needs to be treated as individual. Yes, we can learn from shared experiences, but cookie-cutter approaches or thinking simply do not work.’

Getting the information right, and getting the right information

Four years post Brexit, the need to monitor these issues, developments and to protect the rights of UK Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries in the EU remains.

So-called Green Card residency documents issued to British citizens in Spain when they were EU citizens for example will not be valid for use under the incoming Entry Exit System (EES). Yet they are also being incorrectly viewed as invalid by some public and private bodies in Spain. As presenter Nicholas Green from EuroCitizens Spain shared, ‘A common denominator among these and some of the other experiences presented in our track session is a lack of communication and, sometimes, its misinterpretation.’ He continued, ‘In Spain, the implementation of the WA has been largely positive, especially considering the large number of British citizens resident there. Even though there has been some misunderstanding around it, we know many breaches can be resolved with the goodwill of civil society groups, national and EU authorities.’

Growing our knowledge

Access to and understanding the information available on the WA is one of the key drivers behind our current survey which aims to gain further insights into UK citizens’ experiences in the EU, their understanding of their post-Brexit rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, as well as their knowledge around the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights. Ultimately, the findings from this survey could help us influence how and where additional support can be given.

Yet, while there are still a number of ongoing issues and cases requiring resolution, progress has been made, continues to be made and some positive outcomes achieved. The EU-funded Project ICE will contribute to ensuring that progress stays on track.