The European Union is set to present new youth mobility proposals to the UK, testing Labour's new stance with Brussels. Changes include reducing visa durations, aligning with EU schemes in Canada and Australia. Previous similar proposals were rejected by the Conservative government, but the EU is hopeful Labour will reconsider.
The European Union is set to present fresh proposals to the UK within weeks, allowing young people to move between the UK and the EU.
This marks an early test of Labour’s efforts to reset relations with Brussels.
The draft proposal, initiated by Ursula von der Leyen in April, has already been discussed by member states and is set for review by a working group in Brussels next week.
Proposed changes include reducing the visa duration from four years to two years, aligning with schemes the EU has with Canada and Australia.
The previous Conservative government rejected similar plans, but the EU hopes Labour will reconsider.
Some European diplomats express frustration at Labour’s slow movement on the issue.
The UK government, currently handling negotiations via the Cabinet Office, declined to comment but has previously ruled out considering an EU-wide youth mobility scheme.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, who prioritizes a closer trading relationship with the EU and an agreement on defense and agriculture, has recently engaged with European leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron.