European Commission Advances UK-EU Youth Mobility Agreement

In a significant development for the travel sector, the European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with the United Kingdom on a youth mobility scheme. This initiative, which has been ardently supported by ABTA and Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT), was announced 18 Apr, marking a pivotal moment in fostering easier travel and work opportunities for young people across Europe and the UK.

The proposed agreement focuses on enabling young Britons to live, work, and study in Europe, and vice versa, for up to two years without requiring a full visa. This move is expected to greatly enhance cultural exchange and provide valuable career and educational opportunities for youth.

The need for such an agreement has become increasingly apparent, as post-Brexit regulations have significantly hindered the ability of young people to engage in typical tourism and travel roles across Europe. According to research by ABTA and SBiT, there has been a 69% decline in the number of UK nationals working in tourism roles in Europe since Brexit.

The travel industry representatives highlight the reciprocal nature of this proposed mobility scheme, emphasizing its potential benefits not just for UK citizens but also for Europeans visiting the UK. This mutual exchange is seen as crucial for supporting the travel industry and enhancing customer service in holiday resorts across the EU.

Luke Petherbridge, ABTA's Director of Public Affairs, commented on the urgency and importance of this development, urging the UK government to prepare for negotiations, hoping for a swift beginning to discussions. Similarly, Charles Owen of SBiT stressed the economic and cultural significance of the agreement, advocating for active engagement from the Prime Minister to support the travel industry's needs.