News Digest: What Will Change With the New UK-EU Deal?

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU President Ursula von der Leyen shook hands yesterday on a new deal between the UK and the EU. Dubbed the “Brexit Reset”, the landmark deal focuses on defence and trade agreements, and according to Starmer, “marks a new era in our relationship”, with the British government keen to move on from the Brexit-related conflicts of the past.

Key agreements of the deal include a lifting of controls on UK to EU food imports in exchange for an extension of EU fishing rights in British waters (a somewhat controversial concession for Starmer), a defence pact allowing Britain to contribute to and benefit from the new €150 billion EU rearmament fund, and new discussions regarding work and study schemes for young adults up to 30 years old.

Notably, the deal also included some important changes for travellers and French second-home owners, including the possibility for British passport holders to use the e-gates at EU airports when the new Entry and Exit System (EES) comes into action later this year. It’s not yet clear exactly how this will work in practice, but at a minimum, it shows the EU’s willingness to facilitate faster and easier border controls for UK citizens.

The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the protections of British citizens living in the EU under the Withdrawal Agreement card, including the right to permanent residency status for those who have been in the EU for more than five years, and the right for Brits to continue using the GHIC travel health insurance and S1 forms. There was also some progress on pet travel and food and plant travel restrictions for Brits traveling to France – while a deal hasn’t yet been reached, it appears that both the UK and the EU are in agreement that a new agreement needs to be reached to ease these cumbersome – and often expensive – rules.

As always, we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

After two days of flight cancellations and delays due to issues with one of their control towers, travel is set to return to normal at Paris’ Orly airport from today. Delays may still occur as the airport struggles to return to full capacity after the difficulties, but the full flight schedule is expected to be maintained.

However, while air travel may be back to normal, there’s trouble brewing on the streets of Paris, along with other cities, including Bordeaux and Marseille, as taxi drivers stage nationwide strikes over fares. The demonstrations and road blockades are expected to last all week, so it’s a good idea to check the local news for details on blocked routes and traffic. In most instances, public transport shouldn’t be affected, so it may make sense to leave the car at home if you live in one of the affected areas.

This is the final reminder for anyone filing a paper tax return, which includes those who moved to France in 2024 and are submitting their first tax return. The first of France’s staggered tax deadlines is today, Tuesday, May 20^th, at 11:59 pm – your completed paper tax return must be handed in at your local tax office or posted (with an official postmark) by the end of the day.

The second tax deadline is also this week: French residents living in départements 1-19, as well as non-residents who have income to declare in France (for example, second-home owners receiving rental income), have until this Thursday, May 22nd, at 11:59 pm to file their tax return online.

Remember that everyone who is resident in France (regardless of whether you earn income or have taxes to pay) or receives French income must by law file an annual tax return – you have been warned!

Second Home Owners: Do I Need to File a French Tax Return?

When Do I Need to File My First Tax Return After Moving to France?

Mother’s Day in France falls on May 25th this year in France – this Sunday – so don’t forget to pick up some flowers for your French Mum or in-laws! The Fête des Mères (Mother’s Day) in France dates back to Napoleonic times, and, as in other countries, it’s traditional to buy a gift, such as flowers or chocolates, or treat your Mum to a lunch or dinner date. You’ll find the shops full of options in the preceding weeks, although buying a card (as in the UK or US) is less common. Make sure to book a table in advance – popular restaurants will fill up fast for the occasion.

Note that Mother’s Day in France is celebrated on a different date from Mother’s Day in the US (held on March 30th) and Mother’s Day in the UK (held on May 11th), which can cause some confusion for foreigners in France. The good news is that if you missed the original date, this is the perfect moment to make amends!