The outcome of the Brexit vote in the UK poses significant challenges for the business and trading environment in the UK, Europe and globally. Earlier this year, Matheson formed a dedicated Brexit Advisory Group comprising some of our most senior and specialist colleagues to provide Irish legal expertise and insight for clients preparing for British exit from the European Union.

As part of our commitment to assist our clients to prepare for Brexit, and to keep them updated regarding European dialogue and political developments, we are delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner of the European Union Phil Hogan in Brussels, and to interview Commissioner Hogan with respect to his views on key matters relating to the Brexit political process, and how the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU may unfold.

Filmed at the headquarters of the European Commission in the Berlaymont building in Brussels, Commissioner Phil Hogan and Michael Jackson, Managing Partner at Matheson, were interviewed by Liz Grace, Partner at Matheson. This Brussels interview covers a wide range of Brexit matters relating to the EU, Ireland, the US election outcome, the global trading environment, the EU political negotiation process and the two year negotiation period.

The interview is divided into four sections with Commissioner Hogan and Michael Jackson sharing their views and specialist insights on the following subjects:

Current thinking on the prospects and nature of a UK exit from the EU

  • Brexit preparations; the negotiation process and the EU negotiation mandate; the role of Brexit Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier; the application of the two year negotiation period; logistics; impact on 2019 European elections. Watch the video here.

Views on the impact of the outcome of the US election result on US-EU relations and on UK Brexit plans

  • FDI; EU trade agreements and EU business environment; update on EU global trade negotiations; EU and US trade; markets in the East. Watch the video here.

Ireland’s commitment to the EU, Irish policy and regulatory priorities, the European financial services passport

  • Ireland’s future as the only English speaking and common law EU country post British exit; the EU financial services passport; Irish operational and regulatory experience; Irish financial services substance; developing Ireland’s financial services offering further post Brexit. Watch the video here.

The importance of advice and support for domestic and international companies preparing for Brexit

  • The challenge of uncertainty; managing and supporting those challenges; preparing for legal and operational change; providing assistance with Brexit strategies and emerging opportunities; Irish legal advice and forward planning. Watch the video here.

Or you can watch the full video here.

Matheson’s Brexit Advisory Group is headed by Partnership Chairman, Liam Quirke, and comprises the following Matheson partners: Helen Kelly, Head of EU, Competition and Regulatory Law; Tara Doyle, Head of Asset Management and Investment Funds; Tim Scanlon, Head of Corporate and Commercial and Head of Financial Institutions; Robert O’Shea, Head of International Business; Éanna Mellett, Corporate and Resident Counsel London Office, Anne-Marie Bohan, FinTech, Asset Management and Investment Funds; Michael Finn, Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Life Sciences; Bryan Dunne, Head of Employment; Joe Beashel, Financial Institutions and Head of Regulatory Risk Management and Compliance; Darren Maher, Financial Institutions; and Joe Duffy, Tax.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of the member of our Brexit Advisory Group or your usual Matheson contact should you have any Brexit-related queries which we can help with.

Full details of the Matheson Brexit Advisory Group together with further updates, can be accessed here.

Pictured above at the headquarters of the European Commission in the Berlaymont building in Brussels are: Michael Jackson, Managing Partner, Matheson; Commissioner of the European Union Phil Hogan; and Liz Grace, Partner, Matheson.

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.