Great Britain departed from the EU – transition period until end of 2020

Brexit has been confirmed. Great Britain’s departure from the EU will come into force on 1 February 2020. Britain’s departure from the EU is based on a mutual withdrawal agreement.

The withdrawal agreement includes a transition period that lasts until the end of 2020. During the transition period, EU rights are applied in Britain as usual. Britain will continue to the rights and obligations of an EU Member States, although to a limited extent. For example, Britain will no longer participate in EU decision making.

In practice, as far as social security is concerned, the regulations on the consolidation of EU social security will be applied as usual during the transition period. For example, a worker going abroad to work in Britain can still apply for and be granted an A1 certificate.

Earnings-related pension are to be applied and will be paid to Britain as usual. In other words, there are no changes to pension procedures during the transition period. Pensions accrued in Britain are paid to Finland under EU regulations during the transition period.

We provide more detailed information on practical changes on our Brexit website.

During the transition period, Britain and the EU will negotiation on how to handle issues relating to security in the future.

More information on the effects of Brexit

• Brexit affects our services (Etk.fi website)
• Information about Brexit (website of Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
• Information about Brexit  (website of Prime Minister’s Office)