The European Commission has suggested initiating discussions with the UK in an aim to restore pre-Brexit mobility for millions of young adults aged between 18 and 30. This significant compromise, if sanctioned by individual EU leaders, could potentially lessen the contentious impact of Brexit, which has put a stop on the right to live in each other’s countries, albeit conditionally and temporarily.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen referred to the promising post-Brexit trading agreement about Northern Ireland, the Windsor Agreement, indicating that it has given a constructive turn to their relationship. She pointed out the potential of the youth mobility topic for stronger collaboration as it is in the mutual interest of EU and UK in fostering better future relations by encouraging interaction among the young generation across the channel.
As per the envisioned agreement put forward by the European Commission, the youth aged 18 to 30 from EU and UK might be allowed to reside in the destination country for a maximum of four years. On agreement, countries partaking in this would grant a youth mobility scheme visa, potentially requiring health insurance and proof of adequate finances for living, a common requirement across various global mobility schemes.
The Commission emphasised that the aim is to streamline youth exchanges, making it painless for the young EU citizens to travel, work and live in the UK, and the same benefits extended to young UK nationals in an EU member state.
The Commission’s decision to possibly offer such a concession to the UK, considering their past firm resistance to all Brexits concessions, is being regarded as a significant milestone in UK-EU ties. The proposal must now secure approval from EU leaders, with the first likelihood speculated to be in the upcoming meeting of general affairs ministers in May.
Once approved, it could imply that millions of young adults could relocate to the UK and perhaps relieve the labour shortage in the hospitality sector and universities resulting from Brexit. It could also potentially reopen opportunities for British young adults to undertake seasonal work, from culinary services to employment in ski resorts, in EU countries.
A potential easing of recruitment for researchers, particularly those participating in the Horizon science research programme, between UK and EU universities may be made possible. It is also anticipated that the reciprocal university student home-fee scheme may be reintroduced, putting an end to the prohibitively expensive foreign fees which could reach over £40,000 annually.
Jessika Roswall, the Swedish Minister for European Affairs, expressed to the Guardian that such an arrangement was greatly advocated by Sweden and is viewed as highly beneficial for the youth and students of both the EU and the UK.
Upon the UK’s proposition to certain EU countries, which include France, the commission announced its decision to open a youth mobility scheme. Despite concerns, UK ministers have emphasised that this is not a reversal of Brexit’s significant cessation of free movement for British nationals, citing existing similar agreements between France and Canada, and between Australia and the UK. They insist it is a crucial method of encouraging cultural exchange among future generations.
The commission clarified that the mobility scheme would not carry any specific purpose, thus beneficiaries would have the flexibility to engage in various activities like studying, training, working or travelling during the period without being restricted to a quota system.
UKHospitality’s CEO, Kate Nicholls, expressed her approval of the expansion of such schemes, and urges the EU Commission to initiate negotiations. She remains optimistic for an agreement from the EU Council and anticipates an early commencement of discussions between the UK and the EU.
The commission’s declaration implies that it might facilitate university admissions between member states and the UK, if both parties are mutually agreeable. The proposal also entails a fair treatment in university tuition fees for EU and UK students. However, the commission reiterated that such a youth mobility scheme does not equate to reinstating free movement, as conditions need to be met, including a restricted duration of stay in each other’s countries. This does not grant UK young citizens the privilege of the fundamental freedom of movement enjoyed by EU nationals.
The original text conveyed that Brexit has significantly impacted the chances of young people to explore life across the channel, along with enjoying benefits from exchanges in areas such as education, culture, training, research and youth. A unanimous agreement was favoured over multiple bilateral agreements to confirm fair treatment to each individual involved. The House of Lords European affairs committee’s head, Lord Kinnoull endorsed this new development, stating that if an accord is made, it will prove greatly advantageous for both parties involved, as well as for European youth. This point of view was expressed in The Guardian.