Europe Course of rapprochement? Brexit continues to cause problems
Since taking office, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been on a real charm offensive to maintain good relations with the EU. There is much talk of a "fresh start" after the often frosty atmosphere under the previous Conservative government.
26.12.2024, 06:30
SDA
The new head of government's first targets were Berlin, Paris and Brussels. Starmer is certainly meeting with approval there. EU Council President António Costa has already invited the Prime Minister to an unofficial meeting of heads of government in the new year. Starmer is planning regular top-level meetings with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "Dear Keir, in these very uncertain times, like-minded partners like us must work more closely together," said von der Leyen during a visit at the beginning of October.
New agreements are on the horizon. For example, there is likely to be agreement on a so-called SPS agreement, which would facilitate controls on food, live animals, animal feed, plants and seeds. The two partners are also moving closer together in the areas of armaments cooperation and defense; the UK has already concluded a corresponding agreement with Germany.
The UK in particular has high expectations for a review of the trade agreement that Brussels and London concluded at Christmas 2020. However, the EU is putting the brakes on: there will be no really drastic changes and the agreement will not be reopened, says someone with insight into the talks.
Starmer's red lines
In any case, it is questionable how much leeway there is. Starmer has drawn several red lines: no return to the EU single market and the customs union, which the UK left four years ago on January 1, 2021. And no joint program for the exchange of young people, as called for by the EU. This would allow 18 to 30-year-olds to study or work in the EU or the UK for up to two years without a visa.
According to a random sample by the AJA Arbeitskreis gemeinnütziger Jugendaustausch (working group for non-profit youth exchanges), student exchanges have shifted. According to the figures from the organizations represented in the AJA, significantly more pupils are now only spending six months in the UK instead of a year. "A full-year student exchange now often costs over 20,000 euros," they say.
Among other things, the AJA is calling for visa-free travel. "Student exchange programs are educational programs. In addition to personal development, they always serve to promote understanding between societies and nations," AJA Managing Director Jan Schütte told the news agency DPA.
In order to improve academic exchange, the DAAD would like the British to become part of the Erasmus program again. There should also be better opportunities for exchange students to do internships. This is not to be expected in the short term. The Commission stated: "So far, the UK has not expressed any interest in participating in Erasmus+ again."
More mobility is also important for the economy
Freedom of movement is also important to the economy. "A special Christmas wish would be serious changes to immigration," York-Alexander von Massenbach from the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG) told dpa. This would include simplifying visa procedures for qualified workers, recognizing professional qualifications and improving the free movement of skilled workers.
This is not foreseeable either. "I have made it clear from the outset that freedom of movement is a red line for us and we have no plans in relation to freedom of movement at any level," Starmer recently told the Sun newspaper.
Significant steps towards rapprochement unlikely
This stance is met with incomprehension. In interviews with the British media, German ambassador Miguel Berger, for example, regularly emphasizes that a "Youth Mobility Scheme" - contrary to what London claims - does not mean unwanted migration through the back door and rather offers advantages for all sides. The Association of British Chambers of Commerce is also calling for concessions - and a dozen other measures to reduce the bureaucracy created by Brexit.
It is therefore unlikely that the positive tone will be followed by significant steps towards a rapprochement after the historic Brexit rupture. The fear of Starmer and his social democratic Labour Party of vociferous hardliners such as the right-wing populist Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage is also considered too great for this. The Brexit campaigner boasts close ties to future US President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk - who is currently interfering loudly in British politics and could support Reform with millions.
