UK Declines Invitation to Participate in EU-wide Youth Mobility Scheme
The European Commission had requested permission from EU members to initiate negotiations, but the UK government has shown no interest.
The UK government has declined discussions on a pan-EU program that would facilitate temporary free movement for young individuals.
On Thursday, the European Commission declared its intention to seek approval from EU member states for the commencement of negotiations on a “youth mobility scheme” aimed at UK citizens aged 18–30. However, a government spokesperson stated that the UK side has no interest, noting the conclusion of free movement within the EU.
Currently, the UK has separate youth mobility schemes with 13 nations, and the government expressed a preference for bilateral agreements over an EU-wide pact.
The Commission suggested on Thursday that Britain had signaled interest in youth mobility agreements with individual member states, advocating for an EU-wide approach to ensure equitable treatment for all members.
Maros Sefcovic, the European Commission’s vice-president, remarked that Brexit has disproportionately impacted young people in the EU and the UK who aspire to study, work, and reside overseas.
He emphasized the importance of establishing an ambitious but practical agreement between the EU and the UK to address this issue and rebuild connections among young Europeans on both sides of the Channel.
The proposed plan is to allow young individuals from the UK to live in any EU nation for up to four years without specific restrictions, and reciprocally. This proposal entails setting clear conditions such as maximum stay duration, eligibility requirements, and compliance verification rules.
Before any negotiations with the UK could commence, EU member states needed to approve the proposals. However, a UK government spokesperson stated that there are no intentions of implementing an EU-wide Youth Mobility Scheme, emphasizing the termination of free movement within the EU.
Labour also dismissed the idea of an EU-wide scheme, affirming their commitment to enhancing the UK’s relationship with the EU within their specified boundaries. On the other hand, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey viewed such an agreement as a beneficial outcome.
Various political figures expressed differing opinions on the matter, with some supporting the idea of a reciprocal youth mobility scheme with Europe while others criticized it.
The Epoch Times contributed to this report.
