The European Union has indicated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's summit to reset UK-EU relations may still take place in July, despite growing speculation of a delay to the autumn. Talks remain deadlocked over a youth mobility scheme, with EU sources expressing concern that momentum is being lost.
EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič told a conference in Brussels: 'I believe that still the expectation is that we would have the summit, most probably in July.' However, one EU diplomat warned that the summit, originally pencilled in for 29 June and then moved to 13 July, could be postponed again due to lack of progress.
The youth mobility scheme, which would allow under-30s to travel freely on a three-year visa, is a key sticking point. EU ministers are deeply attached to the proposal, with Šefčovič describing it as an 'investment into the future'. The UK insists any deal must be 'respectful' and cap numbers at between 40,000 and 50,000 a year, while the EU wants its citizens to pay home tuition fees.
UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who met Šefčovič in Brussels on Friday, described the talks as 'positive' and full of 'hope and optimism'. He stressed that the government is 'throwing our heart and soul into this reset' but must account for public concerns over migration. Kyle added that the relationship has 'healed' and closer ties are possible after the summit.
An EU diplomat complained about the secrecy of the negotiations, saying: 'We struggle a bit with the Brits because we don't know their plan, their vision.' The summit, the second since Brexit, was originally due in May but has been delayed as talks on youth mobility, a veterinary deal, and carbon emissions continue.
