United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum
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In view of the unclear situation in the UK, Europe is increasingly preparing for a chaotic Brexit without a withdrawal agreement. Surrounding EU countries are desperately looking for customs officers to prevent milestones at the borders and massive delays in goods and travel from the end of March.
The president of the General Customs Directorate, Colette Hercher, warned companies in Germany last week to better prepare for a Brexit. "Especially those who do business only in the EU, have to prepare," said Hercher the SPIEGEL. Almost all of Britain's neighboring countries are now looking for customs officials to cushion delays at the borders. The overview:
Germany
The Federal Government wants to hire 900 additional civil servants because of the British EU exit. The positions are there, there is no staff yet. Because so far, it was expected that there will be a Brexit transition phase until at least the end of 2020, in which not much changes. And the training of new civil servants lasts.
The Customs Union BDZ anyway considers at least 1300 new posts necessary for coping with Brexit. According to the General Customs Directorate, in a hard Brexit at hotspots like the Port of Hamburg would rely on "support from other main customs offices". In addition, cases to be processed would be distributed to other services via the internal computer system.
Ireland
Ireland is the only EU country with a border with the United Kingdom. 500 kilometers separate the Republic from the British province of Northern Ireland. The Irish government wants to hire 1,000 new customs officials and review food and product standards - but does not say how many there are.
In the 2019 budget, 1.5 billion euros have been set aside for coping with Brexit episodes. In March, a no-deal law with more concrete measures is to be passed. At Dublin Harbor, 33 inspection posts are being worked on. 270 truck parking spaces and separate control posts for live animals will also be built.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the main trading centers for goods traffic with Great Britain. Turntable is Europe's largest port Rotterdam. The Dutch government has provided 100 million euros for the Brexit and wants to hire 900 additional customs officers. The government in The Hague is also launching a TV campaign at the end of January to inform companies and citizens about the consequences of Brexit.
France
The French government wants to hire 580 additional customs officers and veterinary inspectors. It provides 50 million euros for investments in ports and airports. There should be additional clearance points and parking spaces to avoid traffic jams. The French company Medef nevertheless recommends companies to prepare for the worst.
Belgium
Belgium intends to create at least 115 new posts in order to strengthen customs and inspectors for animal and plant imports. But perhaps the problem lies elsewhere: According to authorities, only one in five companies exporting to the United Kingdom had a customs number in mid-January, which would be needed for exports after Brexit.