{"id":3033,"date":"2019-08-22T19:13:38","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T19:13:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/?p=3033"},"modified":"2022-03-23T14:09:34","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T14:09:34","slug":"brexit-box-viral-graphic-fact-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/topics\/europe\/brexit-box-viral-graphic-fact-check\/","title":{"rendered":"Brexit box viral graphic fact check"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A graphic about what actions have been made by the European Union and the UK, respectively, since negotiations for the UK to leave the EU began on 29 March 2017<\/a> has been shared at least 74,000 times<\/a> on Facebook. The infographic makes twelve separate claims; FactCheckNI has fact checked each of them. We interpret \u201chas\u201d with reference to the date of action delivered, not announced.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. \u201cEnded roaming charges\u201d: ACCURATE<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Since 15 June 2017<\/a>, roaming charges in the European Union have not applied. Every existing or new contract that includes roaming services changed to what it termed a “roam like at home” contract. New EU rules now cover data services, voice calls and SMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. \u201cBanned hidden charges for paying online\u201d: ACCURATE<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      As of 13 January 2018<\/a>, the Directive — known as the Payment Services Directive (PSD2)<\/a> — makes it illegal for any business to charge extra for using a debit or credit card in the EU, among other features<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. \u201cGiven free travel to teenagers\u201d: ACCURATE.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Since June 2018<\/a>, almost 50,000 18-year-olds have been awarded a travel. Discover EU is described as \u201can initiative of the European Union giving you the opportunity to travel around Europe\u201d. Another round will take place around November 2019. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. \u201cFunded thousands in medical research\u201d: UNSUBSTANTIATED. Unclear whether \u201cthousands\u201d refers to persons, projects, or money.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          It\u2019s not clear whether the claim is about thousands of Pounds or Euros being invested, thousands of projects funded, or thousands of project participants (researchers). A BMA briefing document (p. 5)<\/a> on the potential consequences of the UK\u2019s exit from the EU on medical research cites a report<\/a> by Technopolis Group<\/a>, and states that between January 2007 and March 2017, the UK received \u00a31.2 billion for health-related projects from EU funding programmes; the UK was involved in 1,000 EU health-related projects, involving over 2,300 participations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. \u201cProtected workers\u2019 mobility rights\u201d: INACCURATE. The Directive does not need to be applied until 30 July 2020.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            On 28 June 2018<\/a>, the EU adopted the revision of the posting of workers directive. The updated Directive<\/a> seeks to boost the rights of workers who are temporarily sent from their regular place of work in a host EU member state to another place of work. Member states shall apply the Directive by 30 July 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1. \u201cAdopted the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive\u201d: ACCURATE<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              From 1 January 2019<\/a>, the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive, which contains five legally-binding anti-abuse measures to create a minimum level of protection against corporate tax avoidance throughout the EU, takes effect in member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. \u201cImproved food standards\u201d: ACCURATE<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                As of 1 January 2018<\/a>, the new Regulation (EU) 2015\/2283 on novel foods was applicable. The Regulation<\/a> improves conditions so that food businesses can bring new and innovative foods to the EU market, while maintaining a high level of food safety for European consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                1. \u201cReached trade deals with Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand\u201d: ACCURATE WITH CONSIDERATION. Trade deals have been reached with Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. An \u201cagreement in principle\u201d exists with Mexico. The EU is currently in trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n