Britain is poised to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme in a ‘first step’ towards a ‘youth free movement’ scheme.
Ministers are expected to confirm the move later despite fears the UK will have to pay around £120million a year into Brussels coffers and far more students will come here than go to Europe.
It will also fuel alarm that Keir Starmer is looking to unwind Brexit, after blaming cutting ties for the economy’s poor performance.
Senior Labour figures have been hinting at customs union membership, although so far that has been dismissed by Downing Street.
An announcement this afternoon could pave the way for British students to participate in the EU scheme from January 2027.
The negotiations have included work on ‘mutually agreed financial terms’ for taking part in the scheme, which the UK left under Boris Johnson.
The UK is thought to have pushed for a 50 per cent discount on membership fees, which are calculated on the basis of a country’s GDP.
However, the EU only offered a 30 per cent reduction of fees in the first year – terms that Sir Keir seems to have accepted. That suggests the ongoing bill will be around £120million a year.
Previously far more students came to the UK than went to the EU, meaning the net cost was higher. But supporters insist there is a wider benefit to the economy.
Under Mr Johnson, the UK pulled out of Erasmus, launching the Turing scheme as a domestic alternative, arguing that remaining in the EU scheme would have meant a net cost of £2billion over seven years.
British students are expected to be able to participate in vocational training placements under the Erasmus scheme, as well as university-based study exchanges.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds held talks with the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic in Brussels last week with the deadline looming for the UK to join in time for 2027.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: ‘We are not commenting on ongoing talks.’
The apparent breakthrough was welcomed by the UK’s universities.
Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said: ‘We’re delighted at the UK’s association to Erasmus+.
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‘With an even greater scope than previous programmes, Erasmus+ opens up fantastic opportunities for students, adult learners and young people to all benefit from new experiences and learning.
‘It will also renew the huge contributions that EU students and staff make to life on our university campuses.’
Liberal Democrat universities spokesman Ian Sollom said: ‘While this is a welcome breakthrough, it must be viewed as a crucial first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe.
‘Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme for benefit of the next generation.’
