HomeNewsPoliticsBrexit Reset: Youth Mobility Deal May Bring Back EU Opportunities for Young...

Brexit Reset: Youth Mobility Deal May Bring Back EU Opportunities for Young People

Date:

Related stories

Telegram’s Billionaire Boss Pledges Fortune to Over 100 Children — But There’s More to This Story

Telegram’s billionaire founder Pavel Durov says yes — pledging his entire fortune to children born via relationships and sperm donations across 12 countries. But here’s the twist: they won’t get a dime for 30 years.
spot_imgspot_img
Spread the love

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.


Daniel Alison
Daniel Alison
Daniel is a dynamic radio news presenter with a passion for delivering compelling stories that inform and inspire. Known for a clear, engaging voice and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Daniel brings energy and insight to the airwaves. Outside the studio, they are an avid cryptocurrency enthusiast, exploring the evolving world of blockchain technology and digital assets. Whether discussing global news or the latest trends in crypto, Daniel combines curiosity and expertise to keep audiences informed and entertained.

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

spot_imgspot_imgspot_img

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here