By Cillian Lohan 

The movement of people around the EU has brought multiple benefits for all involved. The movement of young people has been especially important, as it has enabled them to sample different cultures within Europe and experience the way of life in other European countries. It has also allowed them to understand that we have much in common. Visiting another country for work or study helps us all to understand our common humanity. No matter our language, our diet or our weather, we share so many things – relations with family and friends, hopes and struggles, challenges and opportunities. 

It is these exchanges between countries that creates a society of adults sympathetic to and understanding of other people. We no longer see our neighbouring European citizens as strangers, but as friends. 

We should not underestimate the role this plays in maintaining peace and stability in our continent. Movement of young people is the cornerstone of ongoing cooperation and collaboration.

It is in this context that I proposed an Own Initiative Opinion on youth mobility and relations between young people in a post-Brexit EU. Working with my colleagues, staff and members, we consulted widely with the groups affected. This involved EU representatives and UK representatives – meeting online, in person, circulating surveys and exchanging emails. Our work was strongly supported at our EESC plenary with an overwhelming vote in support. 

The European institutions responded with a wide-ranging offer of improved mobility schemes for young people in the UK. This has been rejected as a first reaction from the UK side but we will continue to work to show the benefits for all sides.

We highlight that its not just university students or those in full-time education who benefit from programmes such as Erasmus+ or the Creative Europe fund. These kinds of EU initiatives allow young people from all walks of life to access exchange programmes and experiences that are otherwise difficult to achieve.

There is a cold calculation of the financial cost involved and the financial return. This is only one aspect of the value. The real value of mobility and exchanges lies in shared experience and shared understanding. A vibrant, multicultural continent needs interaction and movement of people. At the EESC, we will continue to push for this. In practicing what we preach, and as a means of leading by example, we are continuing to work with civil society in the UK. 

We have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Civil Society Alliance UK, and a specific MoU with SAFE in Scotland (working with our former EESC member Irene Oldfather). We will continue this work and strengthen it. The youth sector has shown leadership in turbulent times, not least in the area of climate action. Let's work together at an institutional level to provide them with all the tools they need to amplify their work, and to harness the power of youth for a brighter future for us all.