CPMR calls for regions to be represented in Brexit negotiations

The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions has called for taking the interests of regions into account during the Brexit negotiations

After the UK government submitted last 29th of March the formal notification for starting negotiations to exit the EU, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) is urging the EU institutions and the British government to show awareness of the ‘territorial impact’ of Brexit and to ensure respect for the regions’ interests during the negotiations.

Initial analysis from areas such as Brittany, Cornwall, Flanders, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, as well as the CPMR’s Atlantic Arc Commission, shows that Brexit will have a disproportionate impact on many regions, hitting some harder than others, particularly if the UK pursues a hard Brexit or if the negotiations break down. Regional trade with the UK will be affected, mainly the maritime economy and tourism sectors, having an impact on housing markets, health and social care, research and education.

The CPMR has stated its commitment to ensuring that close links are maintained with the UK’s regions and nations post-Brexit, for the benefit of all citizens, while stressing the need for continued co-operation, partnerships and exchanges on future EU programs. The CPMR’s President, Vasco Cordeiro, said that they “deeply regret the UK’s decision to leave the EU, but remain committed to having a close cooperation with the UK’s nations and regions in the future. We will be strongly emphasizing the value of this cooperation and unity during the negotiations.”

Regarding the EU budget and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2014-2020, the CPMR is calling for fairness in the negotiations and is urging the UK to deliver on agreed commitments. The British government must not walk away from their financial responsibilities which they agreed to when the current MFF was signed off, because it will be small businesses, young people, those in education and training and ordinary people that will be affected.

Source: CRPM

Related content:

Impact & implications of ‘Brexit’ for Regions. Article published on the CPMR’s blog ‘Reflection on the future of Europe’