​On 22 September, the first meeting of the CoR-UK contact group took place. Following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the European Committee of the Regions has deemed it imperative to play an active role in the negotiation process accompanying the UK's withdrawal, as well as in building a prosperous future relationship with the UK. Continuing to develop a constructive dialogue and political partnership with the United Kingdom is a European priority, particularly as it relates to cross-border issues, but also in other policy domains.

Oldřich Vlasák who serves as a city councillor in the Czech city of Hradec Králové represented the ECR Group at this meeting. The Contact Group will act as a forum for constructive and civil dialogue and is scheduled to meet twice a year. The priorities for the period of 2020-2022 include future EU-UK trade relations and cross-border and territorial cooperation, as well as discussions on the future of the free movement of goods, services and individuals. Negotiations on a withdrawal agreement have currently stalled, largely over two key points: the role of state aid to companies and the future of fisheries, in light of the fact that the EU will have an external coastal border with the UK. The Withdrawal (Brexit) agreement entered into force on 1 February 2020. If no free trade agreement is reached by 15 October, “both sides will have to accept the situation and move on," said British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. The ECR Group believes in establishing a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the United Kingdom, as neither the EU nor the UK would benefit from isolationist or protectionist policies.

Given the established, historic, cultural and economic ties between the two sides, the ECR Group is hopeful a fair and reasoned agreement can be reached. During the contact group's meeting Mr Vlasák echoed this sentiment, saying: “Connections, community, industry and trade are all critical, both for us and for our friends in the UK".