The European Commission has put forward a proposition on Thursday to initiate discussions with the United Kingdom aimed at enabling young individuals to freely move, work, and study in both territories following Brexit – the UK’s departure from the European Union four years ago.
The European Union asserts that the UK’s exit from the EU, following a referendum in 2016, has impeded mobility between the two regions significantly. According to the Commission, this scenario has notably hindered opportunities for young people to explore life on either side of the Channel and to engage in youth, cultural, educational, research, and training exchanges.
During the UK’s membership in the economic and political union, its citizens possessed the right to reside and work without constraints in the EU, reciprocated by similar privileges for EU nationals in the UK. Under the proposed agreement by the EU’s executive branch, individuals aged between 18 and 30 from both the EU and the UK would be entitled to reside for up to four years in the host country.
Furthermore, the agreement would ensure parity in treatment for EU and UK students concerning university tuition fees. Presently, most EU students encounter international tuition fees when pursuing studies in the UK, ranging from £11,400 to £38,000 ($14,200-$47,300) annually, which acts as a significant deterrent for EU students who typically face lower costs within the bloc.
The Commission’s proposal awaits deliberation by EU member states, whose approval is required before negotiations with the UK can commence.
The British government, in response, stated, “We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states.”
Moreover, the UK maintains its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has extended to certain EU member states. However, the Commission views the British initiative as less ambitious compared to its own proposition.
“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges, provided partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government emphasized.
