The UK and European Union are discussing a number of changes to their relationship following Brexit. The talks cover opportunities for young people, travel arrangements and trade, including food and agricultural products.
None of the proposals is in force yet. Here is what is on the table, and what stays the same for now.
What you need to know
- The UK and EU are discussing a possible Youth Experience Scheme for young adults.
- No final agreement has been reached on the scheme, and important details remain under negotiation.
- Both sides are also working towards a food and agricultural trade agreement known as a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
- If agreed, the SPS arrangement could reduce some paperwork, certification requirements and checks for relevant goods moving between the UK and EU.
- Existing travel rules remain unchanged. The proposals do not introduce new travel rights or restore freedom of movement.
These are proposals and ongoing negotiations, not changes that are already in force.
Possible new opportunities for young people
One of the proposals being discussed is a Youth Experience Scheme. The idea is to allow young people from the UK and EU to spend a limited period in each other's countries for work, study or cultural experiences. However, this is not a return to the freedom of movement that existed before Brexit.
The proposed scheme would be limited, time-based and subject to visa requirements. The age limits, number of participants and other conditions are still being discussed. For young people in the UK, the scheme could eventually provide another route to experience working or studying in Europe — but it is too early to say exactly who would qualify or when applications might become possible.
Could Birmingham Airport benefit?
Any future changes to arrangements between the UK and EU may be relevant to passengers, airlines and businesses connected to international travel. However, the Youth Experience Scheme is not expected to change the existing rules for general holiday visits to European countries — it is a separate proposal for young people to spend a limited period abroad for specific purposes.
There have been no confirmed changes to Birmingham Airport's routes, operations or local employment as a result of these discussions. For now, the airport's relevance is mainly as an important local connection to Europe and as part of Birmingham's wider transport and business network.
A possible change for food and agricultural trade
Another important part of the discussions is a proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Since Brexit, businesses moving certain food, animal and plant products between the UK and EU have had to deal with additional checks, certificates and paperwork. The proposed SPS agreement aims to make trade in these goods easier by bringing relevant UK and EU rules closer together — potentially reducing certification requirements and routine border checks for goods covered by the arrangement.
What could this mean for businesses?
If the SPS agreement is introduced, businesses handling relevant goods could benefit from simpler procedures when moving products between the UK and EU. Logistics companies, hauliers and supply chain businesses may therefore have an interest in how the agreement develops.
However, there is currently no confirmed information showing how many businesses or jobs would benefit. The proposed SPS agreement covers specific types of goods — it is not a general agreement removing all customs checks or trade requirements.
What happens next?
The UK and EU are continuing their discussions. The next UK–EU Summit is scheduled for 20 November 2026. The UK Government has said it is working towards concluding the SPS negotiations ahead of that meeting, with implementation intended for mid-2027 subject to agreement being reached. Work on the Youth Experience Scheme is also continuing, though important details remain unresolved.
Until then, existing travel and trade rules continue to apply. I will keep an eye on the discussions and share further updates as more details become available.
Source: UK Parliament, GOV.UK ↗
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