The EU Commission has proposed opening negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow the mobility enjoyed by millions of young people aged between 18 and 30 before Brexit. To start talks on this matter, we will now proceed to obtain the approval of the individual EU leaders, a process that could lead to partially eliminating one of the most controversial elements of Brexit, namely the de facto block on the right to live in each other's countries, even if for a limited period and given specific conditions. The Guardian reports this.
Referring to the post-Brexit trade deal on Northern Ireland, European Commission President Ursula vonder Leyen said: "Since the Windsor Agreement came into force, the relationship has been much more constructive. There are certainly issues on which we can have a closer collaboration and the issue of youth mobility is in the interest of both of us because the more youth mobility is possible on both sides of the canal, the more the chances of maintaining good relations increase thanks to the fact that the next generations will be able to get to know each other".
Under the proposed deal, EU and UK citizens aged between 18 and 30 will be able to stay for up to four years in the destination country, the European Commission said in a detailed statement.
If agreed, a youth mobility program visa would be issued in participating countries, with possible conditions including mandatory health insurance and proof of sufficient subsistence funds, as is provided for other mobility programs around the world.
“The aim would be to facilitate youth exchanges, making it easier for young EU citizens to travel, work and live in the UK, with reciprocity for young British citizens in a Member State,” the Commission further said.