Belgium's government on Thursday approved 250 different measures in the framework of preparation for both potential an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and for a no-deal scenario, local media reported
BRUSSELS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 28th March, 2019) Belgium's government on Thursday approved 250 different measures in the framework of preparation for both potential an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and for a no-deal scenario, local media reported.The RTBF broadcaster reported that in case of a no-deal divorce, the Belgian authorities will allocate 15 million Euros ($16.9 million) this year for additional recruitment of 300 personnel to the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, 245 to customs, 40 to the Federal Police and 26 to the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products.
In case of orderly withdrawal, these agencies would need additional 455 personnel and funding of 12.5 million euros, according to the broadcaster.
The United Kingdom is one of Belgium's top five economic partners, consuming around 9 percent of Belgian exports worth a total of 32 billion euros. Belgium mainly exports cars, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, textiles, synthetic materials and manual mechanical equipment to the United Kingdom. According to National Bank of Belgium estimates, the country's GDP may drop by 0.9 percent if the United Kingdom leaves the bloc without a deal.
The European Council has granted the United Kingdom a Brexit deadline extension until May 22 if the House of Commons can pass the withdrawal deal by Friday and until April 12 if it cannot. The deal has already suffered two defeats in the UK Parliament.
