"Good for our jobs, our money, and our borders.鈥� This is how British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the historic agreement reached with the European Union on May 19. Here's a look at the key points of the agreement. How might it impact expats and future expats in the UK and British expatriates abroad?
EU/UK: A "historic" post-Brexit agreement
After lengthy and, at times, tense negotiations, the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) are opening a "new chapter" in their partnership 鈥� in the words of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
For Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government, the agreement marks a breakthrough for the UK. On the EU side, officials welcome the opportunity to reset relations with Britain in a post-Brexit landscape shaped by uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
While the agreement signals the start of a new "strategic partnership," it does not include any binding commitments. Instead, it serves as a framework to restart negotiations, particularly in areas such as mobility, security, energy, and the movement of goods.
Easier travel for Britons
Could long queues at European airports soon become a thing of the past? The post-Brexit agreement addresses the use of electronic passport gates. Since Brexit, many Britons have been unable to use these gates.
The agreement aims to restore their access. However, some critics argue this would undermine one of Brexit's core principles and create 鈥渦nfair competition鈥� with other third-country travelers who must still follow standard, time-consuming procedures.
The agreement also proposes introducing a "pet passport" for dogs and cats, replacing the health certificate previously required for each trip. This change would simplify travel for those bringing pets abroad.
Return of the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The agreement reopens discussions on reintroducing the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) in Europe. The new model could be based on the UK's existing agreements with countries like New Zealand or Australia. For context, the YMS is a two-year visa that allows 18鈥�30-year-olds (or up to 35, depending on the country) to live and work in the UK. Brexit significantly disrupted the scheme.
After several firm rejections 鈥� including a clear refusal by the Sunak government in 2024 and a statement from the Starmer government that the YMS was not a priority 鈥� the UK is now reconsidering the issue.
However, it remains politically sensitive, especially amid growing anti-EU and anti-immigration sentiment.
At the same time, the EU is weighing the possibility of the UK rejoining the ERASMUS mobility program.
Fewer formalities for businesses
British and European companies will face fewer hurdles when importing and exporting goods, particularly food and beverages. However, the UK made a key concession on fishing rights. The European Union has secured extended access to British waters for its fishermen, pushing the deadline from 2026 to 2038 鈥� a 12-year extension.
Since Brexit, fishing has remained a major source of tension between the two sides, especially for France.
More mobility for foreign professionals
The UK and EU have also addressed the issue of international mobility. British companies are leading calls for greater flexibility, arguing that recent immigration restrictions 鈥� including new measures introduced in April 鈥� have made the country less appealing. European companies share these concerns, urging simplified immigration processes to improve mobility.
The agreement announces forthcoming discussions on these issues. It also sets the stage for negotiations on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications for both European and British workers. This remains a sensitive topic, but expats and prospective expatriates are hopeful for progress. Mutual recognition would help streamline visa procedures and improve mobility across borders.
Reinforcing European security
The agreement affirms a shared commitment to cooperation between the UK and the EU, set against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical instability 鈥� including the war in Ukraine and signs of U.S. disengagement from European affairs.
For the UK, the partnership is seen as a means to create jobs, support economic growth, reinforce border security, and combat illegal immigration. From the European perspective, it is described as a 鈥渇irst step,鈥� with negotiations continuing over the UK's potential involvement in the EU's defense initiative, the European Security Action.
EU/UK agreement: What does it mean for expats?
How does this 鈥渉istoric鈥� agreement impact foreign nationals living in the UK, those planning to relocate there, and British expats living abroad?
What expats and prospective expats expect
Expats are hoping for a 鈥済radual return to normal.鈥� Many foreign professionals and students cite the ongoing challenges they've faced since Brexit, particularly those whose work requires travel or is closely tied to the UK. Artists, in particular, highlight the constraints that now affect their ability to move and perform freely. With visa procedures becoming more complex, many hope the agreement will lead to improved mobility for foreign workers.
Future expats share this optimism. Announcements related to mobility 鈥� especially the possible revival of the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) 鈥� are seen as positive developments. Still, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made one point clear: there will be no return to free movement for EU citizens. Reducing net migration remains one of his top priorities. Some British politicians have even suggested introducing a 鈥渃ap on applicants.鈥�
Despite this, aspiring expats remain undeterred. The UK has already signed youth mobility agreements with countries like Canada and Australia. Renewed negotiations with the EU are viewed as a promising first step.
Nasra, a young French graphic designer, believes that the UK鈥揈U post-Brexit agreement 鈥渨ill have very positive repercussions鈥� on her plans to move to England. 鈥淚'm currently looking for my first job as a graphic designer 鈥� a profession listed on the UK's shortage occupation list, as published by the Home Office, and eligible for the Skilled Worker visa (minimum salary requirement: 拢30,960).鈥�
The challenge, for her, has been the reluctance among British companies, tied directly to restrictive immigration policies. Nasra has sensed 鈥渢he hesitation of British employers to sponsor a foreign worker,鈥� even in her case, where the required salary is relatively low compared to other fields.
She's landed interviews but faces stiff competition from local candidates. 鈥淚n two years of job hunting, I've had seven interviews with British companies holding a sponsor license. After reaching the second interview stage, I was rejected 鈥� not because of my skills or performance (quite the opposite!) 鈥� but because I was the only international candidate among seven to ten others. They preferred to hire a local worker who, while potentially less committed long-term than a foreign hire, spared them the extra administrative burden and cost of sponsorship.鈥�
The new agreement between the UK and the EU has reopened negotiations on foreign worker mobility 鈥� a development Nasra sees as encouraging. 鈥淗ere's what the UK鈥揈U post-Brexit agreement could mean for me: the chance to live and work in the UK for up to two years without a visa. That would give me time to prove myself at a company with a sponsor license, increasing the likelihood of securing a long-term visa later. It would also allow me to demonstrate my commitment to the UK market 鈥� and to contribute to its growth 鈥� to other companies open to sponsorship.鈥�
What British expats expect
Many Britons view the agreement as an opportunity to move beyond Brexit and focus on the future 鈥� a necessary step for the country. Travelers, in particular, hope for broader access to electronic passport gates at European airports to avoid long queues. While some airports currently allow this, widespread adoption across the EU remains unlikely, as the decision rests with each Member State. The EU also emphasizes that this measure will not override the new European border control system scheduled to take effect in October. As a result, British travelers may still face delays depending on their destination.
British workers are calling for more concrete measures, especially in the arts sector. Musicians, whose touring costs in Europe have significantly increased since Brexit, are among the most affected. Although they welcome the mutual recognition of the value of artistic activities, they are looking for clearer, actionable steps to ease the burden of cross-border performance and travel.
UK/EU: A necessary agreement
Could this agreement signal the start of the UK's return to the European Union? Both sides firmly say no. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pro-European, he has made it clear that rejoining the EU is not on the agenda. His stance also serves to deflect criticism from Conservatives and far-right voices, who accuse him of having "given in" to Brussels.
On the EU side, both the European Commission and the European Council note that the door was never fully closed. Still, analysts agree that any move toward deeper reintegration would take time 鈥� at least 鈥渁 generation,鈥� they estimate.
Despite this, all parties commend the Labour government's efforts to restore dialogue after five years of strained relations. Experts widely agree it was long overdue. They underscore that the high volume of trade between the UK and the EU makes a stable, cooperative partnership not just desirable but essential.
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