top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Court rejects French barrister's Shindler Brexit case

A European Court has rejected the case of French barrister Julien Fouchet on behalf of British expatriates including Second World War veteran Harry Shindler, who were excluded from the Brexit referendum vote.

Judges of the General Court of the EU in Luxembourg decided that the 'Shindler' case was “inadmissible, because there are no expatriates who are personally affected [by the negotiations for the UK's withdrawal from the EU] for now,” said Mr Fouchet.

He added: “We must now make an appeal before the European Court of Justice and Harry Shindler wants to carry on.”

Mr Fouchet had applied to annul to decision of the Council of the EU authorising Brexit negotiations, on behalf of 13 British citizens living in several EU states who could not vote in the referendum because they had been living outside the UK for more than 15 years. He argued that they are seriously affected by their impending irreversible loss of EU citizenship and its associated rights due to the referendum vote and ensuing negotiations in which they had no say.

The court found that the decision to allow negotiations on Brexit had not so far directly affected the legal situation of the British citizens who brought the case.

The full ruling of the court can be found at this link. 

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France