If UK leaves EU?

[theuniverse]

Hi everyone, just wondering what would happen to all the EU members living in UK if UK leaves EU? And if it does, how long would it take them to apply new rules? Also if Greece leaves EU even before that, would all the greeks in UK have to go back? The reason I ask that is because I'm about to apply with EEA2 and if in 5 years time UK isn't a EU member anymore does it mean EEA4 would not exist? Sorry for these complicated questions, probably in reality no one knows, but still, any ideas? Thanks!

[Jambo]

See bit worried

[fysicus]

I think it would be extremely silly to let any decisions be guided by such remote possibilities. Read my considerations below, put your mind at rest and smile!

First of all: a country can only leave the EU by its own decision, it cannot be expelled.

Second: there is a two year notice period. So if the UK would actually decide to leave the UK (confirmed by a vote in Parliament on that matter) it would only become effective two years later. I don't see the current government even to prepare for such a move, so we are really talking about a dim possibility in a distant future

Three: if the UK leaves the EU, it is likely to remain within the EEA which means Directive 2004/38 of which we all benefit will remain in force.

Fourth: if the UK would actually be so silly to expel EU citizens on a massive scale, it would be reciprocated by expelling all British Citizens from the rest of Europe. Contrary to the expelled EU citizens, these returning British Citizens are voters, and are unlikely to be very happy about the government which caused their repatriation...

[theuniverse]

Thanks for great replyes, so I guess the same rules apply to Greece then. That's quite of a relief) thanks

[banku]

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

if the EU leaves the UK all will be required to weigh things properly!