In an agreement signed yesterday between the UK and Spain, the Government has for the first time formally committed to negotiating a Youth Experience Scheme between the UK and the European Union.

The full government press release is here.

The agreement says:

'To foster new ties between our youth, we are committed to working towards a balanced youth experience scheme between the UK and the EU on terms to be mutually agreed.' 

European Movement UK welcomes yesterday's agreement with Spain, which confirms that the UK is now committed to seeking a youth experience scheme with the EU. It follows recent comments by Nick Thomas Symonds regarding a Youth Experience Scheme.

Alfred Quantrill, Young European Movement UK and Bristol University student, aged 20

"The Youth Experience Scheme promises to open up jobs to young Brits who, more than ever, lack opportunities within their own country. We urge the Government to make this happen as soon as possible.

"We deserve the same rights as other young people in Europe, and the Government has a chance to make real steps towards providing chances abroad for ambitious and hard working young people, who can bring their skills back home and boost our economy, as well as deepen links with our largest trading partner.

"European employers and educational institutions are far less likely to offer opportunities to young Brits if they are only able to stay for two years, or can only move within one EU member state. 

"The Government must push for three or four year stays within the EU to ensure the scheme succeeds, so that young Brits have time to engage in serious work and study to develop their skills. 

“Young European Movement would also call on the Government to ensure that any scheme negotiated with the EU allows for full movement within the EU or Schengen area, rather than limiting participating young people to a single EU country."