A new UK-EU youth mobility scheme could be a key component of the upcoming EU deal, offering young people increased opportunities for education, work experience, and personal development in both countries.
The UK and EU are set to discuss a potential new deal at a summit in London on Monday. The talks will focus on key issues, including youth mobility schemes, fishing rights, and other migration-related concerns.
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.
The EU was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 and has since become one of the world's largest economies and trading blocs.
The EU aims to promote peace, stability, and economic growth among its member states through a single market, free movement of people and goods, and coordinated policies on issues such as agriculture and foreign affairs.
The UK already has reciprocal agreements with countries such as Australia, allowing young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to work in each other’s countries. These visas are subject to annual quotas, ranging from 100 for Andorra to 42,000 for Australia.
Youth mobility schemes allow young people to live and work abroad, promoting cultural exchange and personal growth.
These programs provide opportunities for education, training, and employment in foreign countries.
According to a report by the European Commission, 44% of EU citizens aged 15-29 have lived or worked abroad.
The most popular destinations include the UK, Germany, and France.
Youth mobility schemes can enhance language skills, boost employability, and foster global understanding.
Labour has previously stated that it has ‘no plans for a youth mobility scheme‘ if it won the general election. However, with the government considering setting up such a scheme as part of a new partnership agreement with the EU, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has now signaled his support for the idea.
According to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a youth mobility scheme would be a ‘reciprocal‘ arrangement, allowing young people to move abroad for up to two years. No specific details about the ages of those who could be eligible and whether there would be a cap on numbers were given.
Supporters of the idea argue that such a scheme would have numerous benefits for young people, including increased opportunities for education, work experience, and personal development. Universities and students have expressed concerns about the impact of Brexit on studying in the UK, with many facing higher fees and reduced access to tuition fee loans.
The proposed youth mobility scheme could be a significant step towards re-engaging with the EU, particularly among young people who feel left out of the post-Brexit settlement. The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the idea, describing it as ‘a welcome step in the right direction‘ for those who have been ‘so badly let down by Brexit‘.
However, the issue is complex and contentious, with some critics arguing that it would amount to a return to pre-Brexit freedom of movement. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has described the possible scheme as ‘free movement through the back door‘, while Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice views it as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.
The talks are expected to result in an agreement in principle, rather than a final deal. The EU has been pushing for stays of up to four years, while the UK is not contemplating more than one or two.
