Brexit means the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. The United Kingdom (“UK”) on 29 March 2017 invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union to begin its withdrawal from the EU. The United Kingdom is set to leave the EU on 1 February 2020. When the withdrawal agreement takes effect, a transition period will begin and lasts until the end of 2020. During this time, the EU’s current rules will remain in force and the future relationship will be negotiated. During the transition period, the UK will have all the rights and obligations of a Member State.
More information is also available on the website of the Finnish Prime Minister's Office .
The Finnish Food Authority generally recommends all veterinarians who have received or are about to receive their degrees from the UK and who also wish to practise in Finland to apply for their veterinary surgeon’s licence no later than 31 December 2020. Applications can be submitted to the Finnish Food Authority’s registry (kirjaamo@ruokavirasto.fi) and updated as and when necessary.
We have also compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the effects of Brexit on the recognition of UK qualifications:
1. I am a Finnish/British/EU citizen. I have received my degree in veterinary medicine in the UK, and I was licensed to practise veterinary medicine in the UK before 31 December 2020. Can I have my degree automatically recognised in Finland?
The Finnish Food Authority strongly recommends applying for a veterinary surgeon's licence in Finland before 31 December 2020 in order to avoid possible language requirements and additional studies before authorization.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Finnish Food Authority's registry (kirjaamo@ruokavirasto.fi)