Tensions Rise Between UK and EU Over Youth Mobility Deal
A potential clash is brewing between the UK and EU over the duration of a proposed youth mobility scheme, with Germany’s ambassador hinting that Brussels may resist UK demands for tighter restrictions.
While Germany’s ambassador Miguel Berger didn’t dismiss the possibility of the EU compromising, he indicated that the bloc remains committed to its initial proposal of three-year visas for under-30s. The UK, reportedly led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is pushing for a one-year limit to ensure young visitors don’t count toward official migration figures.
A European diplomatic source confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, with Brussels open to discussions on the UK’s one-year proposal but also warning of opposition to additional measures like visa quotas, fees, or the NHS immigration surcharge.
The i Paper recently revealed that the EU expects a formal expression of interest from the UK at a major summit scheduled for 19 May. Meanwhile, sources suggest Cooper is lobbying within the Cabinet to restrict any youth mobility visas to one year, in contrast to the EU’s more generous offer.
Germany remains one of the strongest supporters within the EU for a youth mobility deal as part of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s broader efforts to reset UK-EU relations post-Brexit. Speaking at a UK Trade & Business Commission event, Berger emphasized the EU’s negotiation mandate of a three-year term, but acknowledged the talks were just beginning.
“We understand why the UK is asking for 12 months minus one day,” a diplomatic source said. “We’ll look at it—our starting point is three years. But other elements like visa caps, fees, and healthcare charges are also on the table.”
Berger defended the concept of youth mobility, pushing back on criticism that it resembles pre-Brexit free movement. He argued that these temporary stays are not immigration, but cultural and professional exchanges.
“This isn’t migration. These young people come, gain experience, and go home,” he said, noting that other EU countries also face tight labour markets and see value in attracting young talent. “It’s not freedom of movement through the back door—it’s a controlled, visa-based system.”
Support for a new scheme is growing within Labour ranks, with over 60 MPs backing a tailored youth visa plan for mutual travel between the UK and EU. However, in Parliament, EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds maintained the government’s position that youth mobility is “not currently in our plans,” though he left the door open for “sensible EU proposals.”
Defence Cooperation in Focus
Separately, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has called for more unified defence spending across Europe, likening it to how U.S. states contribute to national defence funding. Speaking at the IMF spring meeting in Washington, Reeves stressed the need for greater interoperability to safeguard the continent.
Her comments come as Starmer and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in London to accelerate Brexit reset talks, with hopes of announcing a defence agreement at the 19 May summit.
Von der Leyen welcomed the UK’s interest in strengthening defence ties and suggested a new agreement could lead to joint procurement and potential UK participation in the EU’s Safe programme—short for Security Action for Europe.
“We will discuss stepping up defence spending,” von der Leyen said from Downing Street. “I welcome the increased commitments from several member states. And we will explore a strategic partnership with the UK.”
The Safe programme enables EU nations and partner countries to collaborate on defence procurement and security initiatives. British officials hope closer defence cooperation will not only bolster regional security but also help smooth broader UK-EU negotiations—particularly in areas where some EU states are holding back support over unresolved issues like fisheries.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and senior defence officials also attended the talks, underscoring the UK’s strategic interest in linking security cooperation to broader EU relations.
