European Commission suggests youth mobility agreement with UK to support young people | Global News

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to initiate negotiations with the United Kingdom to facilitate the movement of young people between the two regions post-Brexit. The aim is to allow young individuals to freely move, work, and study in both areas, fostering cultural, educational, and research exchanges.

Since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2016, mobility between the two regions has been hindered, particularly impacting opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel. Under the proposed agreement, EU and UK citizens aged between 18 and 30 would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

Furthermore, the deal would ensure equal treatment of EU and UK students in terms of university tuition fees, addressing the current disparity where most EU students are required to pay international fees to study in the UK. These fees, ranging from £11,400 to £38,000 per year, act as a deterrent for EU students.

The Commission’s recommendation will now be deliberated by EU member countries before negotiations with the UK can commence. The British government has expressed openness to such agreements, highlighting existing Youth Mobility Schemes with other countries and emphasizing the value of cultural exchanges for young British individuals.

While the UK has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, the Commission believes its proposal is more ambitious and inclusive. The potential agreement aims to provide reciprocal opportunities for young people from both regions, fostering greater collaboration and understanding between the UK and the EU.