UK and EU progress toward new post-Brexit Youth Mobility Scheme

The United Kingdom and the European Union are moving forward with plans to establish a new bilateral youth mobility initiative, tentatively titled the “Youth Mobility Scheme.” This upcoming agreement would allow young people aged 18 to 30 from both regions to live, work, study, or volunteer in each other’s territories for a limited period.

The initiative emerged following the bilateral summit on May 19, 2025, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed to renew cooperation through structured exchanges. This marks a significant shift from the UK’s previous stance, which had rejected similar proposals to avoid undermining post-Brexit border controls.

Although the full details are still under negotiation, early discussions suggest the scheme may include:

• Annual quotas: Up to 70,000 participants per year, evenly split between the UK and EU countries.
• Time-limited visas: Initial stays of up to 12 months, with possible extensions.
• Financial conditions: Applicants would need to prove financial self-sufficiency and pay a healthcare surcharge to access the UK’s NHS—an aspect that has raised concerns in some EU member states.
• Sectoral limits: Employment in sensitive industries may be restricted to prevent job market imbalances.

The program aims to foster cultural, educational, and professional exchange while also addressing labor shortages in sectors like hospitality and tourism, which have struggled since the end of free movement.

The proposal has garnered strong support from various sectors, including over 60 Labour MPs who have urged the government to prioritize the deal. However, critics warn it could dilute the post-Brexit immigration regime.

Further negotiations are expected in the coming months, with hopes that the scheme could be launched as early as 2026. Both sides appear committed to finding a balanced solution that promotes youth mobility while respecting each other’s political and economic constraints.

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