On Monday (May 20), the UK and the European Union reached a new deal which aims to ‘reset’ their relationship post-Brexit.
As part of the deal, both the UK and EU have agreed to co-operate on a “youth experience scheme”, which could enable people aged between 18 and 30 “to work and travel freely in Europe again”.
According to Reuters, the scheme will allow young people from Britain and the 27 nations of the EU to work, study, volunteer, or travel for a limited period of time in each other’s countries.
The idea would be similar to existing deals the UK already has in place for countries like New Zealand and Australia, where there is an annual quota of visas allowing people between the ages of 18 and 35 to work in each other’s countries for up to three years.
“The European Commission and the United Kingdom should work towards a balanced youth experience scheme on terms to be mutually agreed,” a document seen by Reuters said. “It should provide a dedicated visa path and ensure that the overall number of participants is acceptable to both sides.”
The UK is also negotiating to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, which allows students to study or do an internship abroad.
The plan is part of a wider deal between the UK and EU which also covers trade, defence, fisheries, and other issues.