The European Commission recently presented a proposal to the European Council, aiming to facilitate youth mobility post-Brexit. The proposal carefully avoids the term ‘freedom of movement’, opting for a more diplomatic approach. The motivation behind this initiative is to address the challenges faced by young individuals in accessing opportunities for cultural, educational, and training experiences on the other side of the English Channel.
The Commission views this proposal as a means to improve inter-personal relationships that have been strained by Brexit, without reinstating freedom of movement, which it perceives as a privilege forfeited by the UK upon its departure from the EU. The Commission is keen to prevent the UK from making bilateral agreements on youth mobility with specific member states, akin to the agreements it has formed with non-EU countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan.
The timing of this proposal is strategic, possibly capitalizing on the potential change in leadership in the UK. As the British Labour Party shows interest in rejoining Erasmus+, the Commission has suggested potential association of the UK to Erasmus+ as part of the agreement on youth mobility.
However, the Labour Party’s reaction to the proposal has not been entirely positive, primarily due to concerns about timing. Despite this, the party remains committed to improving UK-EU relations within its set parameters, which distinctly rule out returning to the single market, customs union, or free movement of people.
In response, the Conservative-leaning British press has portrayed the Commission’s proposal as an attempt to entice Labour’s leadership, emphasizing the party’s intent to laboriously adhere to its set guidelines while also suggesting that the party currently has no plans for a youth mobility scheme. However, this stance does not exclude the possibility of considering such a scheme in the future, especially given its potential appeal and minimal financial impact.
The proposed youth mobility scheme could hold political promise, particularly as many of the beneficiaries were unable to participate in the 2016 referendum and are displeased at the prospect of being deprived of the right to live, study, and work in the EU. As discussions progress, it will be interesting to observe the unfolding dynamics and potential implications of this noteworthy proposal.
The post “The European Commission’s Proposal for Youth Mobility Post-Brexit” first appeared on the London News Express.
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