At Matheson, we are committed to supporting our clients in their preparations for Brexit and providing updates on the most recent developments and thinking with respect to European Brexit dialogue and political developments.

Subsequent to UK Prime Minister May's recent speech in Florence, we were fortunate to interview Commissioner of the European Union, Phil Hogan and, in this exclusive Matheson video, you can hear Commissioner Hogan's views on the following matters:

  • Progress of EU-UK Brexit negotiations to date and key negotiation issues. Access video here
  • EU-US trade relations. Access video here
  • The UK land border with Ireland and the EU.  Access video here
  • The possible shape of the future trading relationship between the EU and the UK post-Brexit, including views with respect to the UK and the Customs Union post-Brexit. Access video here

More than one third of the way through the de facto negotiation period specified in Article 50 of the EU Treaty, the lack of real progress on the substantive Brexit negotiation issues - and the continued uncertainty arising therefrom - is a cause of increasing concern for international businesses and financial institutions operating in EU markets. In the video below, Managing Partner of Matheson, Michael Jackson addresses some of the key issues facing multinational companies doing business in and from Ireland.

Matheson is currently advising on a wide range of Brexit-related matters, as businesses from various sectors consider their options for continued access to EU markets post-Brexit. There are many nuances, legal questions and business issues arising from Brexit. Freedom of access to EU markets and free movement for international talent are two of the key concerns which are raised by companies with which we interact. Ireland's continued commitment to membership of the EU provides certainty in relation to these issues. Ireland also provides certainty with regard to its legal, regulatory and taxation environment. As a result, many international businesses have identified Ireland as a location that can play an important role managing the disruption to their business models as a result of Brexit. While many other jurisdictions have adopted a predatory approach to UK-based business, the measured, partnership-based approach which Ireland has adopted reflects its maturity as a location of substance for internationally focused businesses.

For Matheson's views and current thinking on the key Brexit-related matters for Irish and international businesses operating in Europe – please click here for our video with Matheson Managing Partner Michael Jackson and Partner Liz Grace.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.