EU and UK Near Agreement on Visa Deal for Workers and Students Under 30

Key Points

1. The EU and UK may soon begin discussions on a free movement scheme for individuals under 30.
2. Sources indicate that the British Prime Minister is open to negotiations, while EU officials may revise some proposal terms.
3. The potential mobility scheme is receiving mixed reactions in the UK, with some questioning its benefits.

After months of reluctance, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now open to discussing a youth mobility agreement with the EU.

According to The Telegraph, both Starmer and EU leaders have expressed a willingness to explore the proposal, which the EU may rename as the “Youth Experience Scheme.”

The Prime Minister had previously avoided such talks due to concerns over rising net migration figures. However, if implemented, the agreement would enable individuals under 30 from the UK and the Schengen Area to live, work, or study in each other’s territories without long-term visa requirements.

Strengthening UK-EU Relations Through Youth Mobility?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has stated that the Labour Party does not support the initiative, emphasizing the need to reduce net migration.

Despite this, insiders suggest both sides are moving toward an agreement. A UK government source told The Times that Starmer was already prepared to listen to EU proposals as early as August 2024.

Meanwhile, EU sources quoted by The Telegraph reveal that Brussels is considering modifying key aspects of the scheme. Potential changes include limiting the maximum stay to three years instead of four and introducing an initial one-year visa with the option of a two-year extension.

UK Public Opinion Divided Over the Proposal

As negotiations progress, many Britons remain skeptical. Critics argue that the scheme would disproportionately benefit European youth rather than British citizens, potentially increasing migration.

British commentator Sunil Sharma expressed concerns about the Prime Minister’s alignment with EU policymakers, arguing that domestic priorities should take precedence.

Online discussions echo these sentiments, with many noting that previous freedom-of-movement agreements saw far more Europeans relocating to the UK than vice versa. Some fear the new scheme would follow the same trend.

Despite opposition, reports suggest the EU sees this agreement as a key element in broader UK-EU relations. According to Politico, failure to reach a deal could strain diplomatic ties between London and Brussels.