Joint Statement from the Seventh Meeting of the UK and EEA EFTA States Separation Agreement Committee

Seventh Meeting of the Joint Committee on Separation Agreement

The seventh online meeting of the Joint Committee established by the Separation Agreement took place on 20 October 2026, under the chairmanship of officials from the Principality of Liechtenstein. Participants included representatives from Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, and the United Kingdom. This Committee was created to oversee the implementation and application of the Separation Agreement, which plays a crucial role in defining the rights of citizens following the UK’s departure from the European Union.

The Separation Agreement is designed to safeguard the rights of nationals from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—collectively known as the EEA EFTA States—who were residing in the UK at the conclusion of the transition period, as well as UK nationals living in the EEA EFTA States. These rights encompass not only the right to reside but also entitlements to social security and the recognition of professional qualifications, thereby ensuring a degree of continuity for citizens affected by the changes.

Updates on Citizens’ Rights and Implementation

During the meeting, representatives from both the EEA EFTA States and the UK provided updates regarding the ongoing implementation and application of the Separation Agreement, with a particular emphasis on citizens’ rights. Additionally, officials from the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the Independent Monitoring Authority contributed insights on their roles in monitoring the adherence to the Agreement’s provisions.

In a significant development, the EEA EFTA States and the UK collectively adopted a Decision that amends Part I of Annex I to the Separation Agreement. This amendment incorporates two recent relevant Decisions made by the Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems, further enhancing the framework for social security coordination.

Commitment to Continued Collaboration

The ongoing collaboration between the EEA EFTA States and the UK reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation and application of the Separation Agreement. This cooperative approach aims to provide clarity and certainty for citizens affected by the changes, reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong ties and protections in the wake of the UK’s exit from the EU.