Thread by @NvOndarza

"#Brexit and EU agencies", our extensive look into third country relationships of the 36 EU agencies and how the UK might fit in.

swp-berlin.org/fileadmin/cont…

Albeit largely technical, agencies will have huge implications on Brexit.

Five points stand out in particular:

First, Agencies matter. Like the customs union, they are a technical aspect of the EU, that works and was thus hardly discussed in the UK before #Brexit.

But they are important for single market, but also justice and home affairs.

UK gov thus has already asked to continue participation in selected agencies, in particular in sectors important to the UK economy, like aviation, chemicals or pharma.

Second, on first sight there is a lot of flexibility for that. Norway for instance participates in 28 agencies, Switzerland in 6.

Agencies also have a lot of cooperation agreements with third countries like Canada, Australia or even the US. Our table provides the full overview

Third, however, there is a clear pattern: Full participation is only possible if the 3rd country accept the full monty deal:

- implemention of all EU regulation in the area (with no say)
- paying into the agencies' budget
- implementation of agency decision
- no vote in agency

These conditions thus violate all the main red lines of the UK government.

On a closer look it becomes clear that Norway et al do not have access to the single market via the agencies, but precisely particpate in agencies because of the EEA and their role in the single market.

In contrast, cooperation agreements like with Canada allow for information exchange, but involvement at much lower level.

Think CETA-type FTA vs. full single market participation.

EU agencies can therefore not be a back door into the single market.

Fourth, as always on #Brexit, agencies will come into play in Northern Ireland

The 'common regulatory area' in the EU's proposed backstop would bind NI to single market rules in crucial areas, including the binding decisions of EU agencies - like on food safety, electriticy etc.

But, unlike Norway, neither Northern Ireland nor the UK is proposed to be represented in the respective EU agencies, even if they would take decisions with binding effects in NI.

This underlines the need for an extensive goverance structure if the backstop ever comes to pass.

Finally, transition, which is already politically agreed.

Here the UK accepted that it will
- cease all representation or vote in EU agencies on #Brexit day
- will continue to pay into the budget
- accept their decisions

-> this is a worse position than Norway is in
/ends