Youth mobility scheme disagreement hampering reset of UK-EU relations
Deal was expected by end of month but talks hit buffers over cap on number of people entering UK and tuition fees
TL;DR
- UK and EU are in disagreement over a youth mobility scheme as part of broader reset negotiations.
- The UK proposes a cap of below 50,000 young EU citizens, whereas the EU wants unlimited visas with an 'emergency brake' option.
- The UK is also resistant to discussing 'home' fees for EU citizens, stating it was not included in the reset roadmap.
- The youth mobility scheme is a key priority for European capitals, allowing under-30s to work and study abroad.
- Other aspects of the reset, such as a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, are seen as accommodating UK interests, leading to EU frustration about the lack of reciprocal benefits.
- The original timeline for a deal by the end of the month has slipped, with the next summit expected in late June or early July.
- A UK government spokesperson stated that any final scheme must be time-limited, capped, and based on existing UK schemes.