Deep-sea fishing
A worst-case scenario where the UK is a non-EEA country could involve the loss of jobs in the German fishing industry, as the bulk of Germany’s haul is caught in UK waters. This is only possible because the UK is part of the European Union. Around half of Germany’s total catch could be affected if the UK pushes through its territorial claims in the Brexit negotiations, according to estimates by the German Deep-Sea Fishing Association. North Sea herring, in particular, is caught exclusively in these waters. Also affected are mackerel, Norway lobster and flatfish, of which 50 to 80 per cent is caught in UK waters.
While we may not need to worry about a lack of available fish, in the worst case this could affect jobs.
Bremen is increasingly popular, with the number of naturalisation applications on the rise
Welcome to Bremen. 1,213 British nationals have their main residence in Bremen, representing around 1 per cent of the city’s foreign population. Since the Brexit vote, the number of naturalisation applications has increased, from nine in 2015 to 50 in 2016. In the first half of 2017, 41 British citizens applied – a clear sign in favour not only of the EU, but also of life in Bremen.
Fiona Moore, who was born in the UK but now lives in Bremen, has already completed the naturalisation process. In this interview the self-employed translator tells us all about her love affair with Bremen.
And talking of self-employed: any British citizens thinking of becoming self-employed in the EU should act now. As soon as the UK starts to be treated as a non-EU country, the bureaucratic hurdles to start-ups will become more difficult to overcome. Nonetheless, becoming self-employed could be a means for British citizens to remain part of the EU.
Manuel Kühn from the Unternehmensservice Bremen business support agency explains what British expats need to think of when starting up a new business.
Brexit not only affects British citizens living in Bremen, it could also be a reason for UK-based companies to consider opening an office in, or even relocating to, mainland Europe, for example to avoid any increased tax burden. Here you can find out more about the additional burdens that UK-based international companies could face, and how they can prepare for them.
If you are interested in investing in Bremen from abroad, please feel free to contact Andreas Gerber, head of the international relocation team, +49 (0) 421 9600-123, gerber@bremen-invest.com