In March 2019, the United Kingdom must leave Europe. The deadline is fast approaching. It could upset the lives of a good part of the 13,000 Britons settled in Brittany. They are particularly numerous in the rural communes of central Brittany, like Gouarec in Côtes-d'Armor.
Bacon, cornish pasties, magpies and other gammons ... In Gouarec, close to the imposing market halls of the town center, Dawn White and her husband Paul opened Le Comptoir Kerbian Farm, a very British grocery store. Nothing suprising. Customers do not miss. Many Britons live in this rural area of Côtes-d'Armor.
But it's no longer time for big plans for White, who owns another store in Callac. "Brexit is not good for us," sighs Dawn. It could be devastating for our business. "
If tariffs hit tomorrow's imports from the UK, Dawn White fears having to close shop. "It would be the end of everything we have built here for eight years with my family," she says. Dawn has seven grandchildren. Four of them live in Brittany. For the White family, Brexit could mean a painful choice.
Language barrier
In March 2019, the United Kingdom must leave the European Union. This deadline is likely to upset the lives of the 13,000 Britons who live in Brittany. Right next to the White grocery store, many of them are in the large shale house that serves as headquarters for the Kreiz Breizh Integration Association (AIKB). It brings together more than 560 families from across the Channel.
"People are more and more worried," says Maggie Fee, the AIKB facilitator. Will they need a visa? Will the duration of their stay be limited? Many do not know what to expect. "
Maggie Fee has been living in Brittany since 2001. A graduate in arts, she learned crepe making in Gourin. Perfectly French-speaking, she now accompanies her compatriots in their administrative procedures. The lack of practice of the French language is often a first obstacle to overcome.
Retirees are among those who have the most to lose. "They have already suffered a sharp drop in income because of the fall of the pound. They are now very concerned about their health insurance. "
Currently, UK retirees can transfer their rights to health insurance in France if they wish to live there. This possibility may soon be refused if the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union.
Two options are available today to the British who wish to stay in France: obtain a residence permit or request their naturalization. "Language is the biggest barrier for them," Maggie Fee observes. Even if they have started classes, they do not necessarily have the desired level to obtain French nationality. The residence card is easier. "
The Brexit deadline is fast approaching. Maggie Fee has already given eight lectures on how to apply for a residence permit. For her part, she chose. "I asked for French nationality. I am a little more serene. But I'm worried about my family in England. "