EU presses UK to guarantee discounted university tuition fees for European students

The European Union is urging the British government to give a stronger assurance that European students will receive reduced university tuition rates. This request comes before the upcoming summit later this month.

During a senior EU diplomats' meeting on Wednesday, at least six member states demanded that the UK confirm by the summit that EU students will be charged the lower domestic tuition fee. The call reflects a push for a clear commitment.

These countries reject postponing the pact for another six months. Many feel that failing to reach an accord should hold up the coveted food and drink agreement intended to cut Brexit red tape.

Negotiators from the European Commission have suggested delaying a decision on tuition fees by half a year to safeguard the success of the November event. Burnham is expected to demonstrate his commitment to tighter EU ties.

Andy Burnham is scheduled to meet EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa on 20 November in Brussels. The aim is to sign three pacts covering food and drink, carbon markets and youth exchange. He will also pledge a “trusted partnership” on steel and defence.

Nevertheless, a long‑standing dispute over whether EU students should pay the high international tuition rates at UK universities remains unresolved. It could postpone the rollout of the food and energy deals, which are valued in the billions for the British economy.

The EU seeks a return to the pre‑Brexit arrangement whereby European students would pay the UK domestic tuition fee rather than international rates, which can be about four to six times higher for an undergraduate programme. This would restore the earlier status quo.

European Commission negotiators have again proposed deferring an agreement on tuition fees by six months to ensure the November summit’s success. Burnham is expected to show his commitment to closer ties.

At least six member states, including some in central and eastern Europe, want the tuition issue resolved by the summit. Many are pressing the British government for a firmer pledge, according to four EU sources.

One EU diplomat told the Guardian: “Having a youth experience scheme without an agreement on tuition fees has very little added value,” adding that the lower cost of university study in many EU nations could give British students a greater advantage.

A second EU diplomat expressed cautious optimism about the November summit but said a “large majority” desired “a more convincing British commitment” on tuition fees.

A government spokesperson declined to comment on leaks or ongoing negotiations. They said: “We do not comment on leaks or provide a running commentary on live negotiations. We are building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will strengthen our economy, protect British industry, and create more opportunities for young people across the UK.”

For the EU, establishing a youth experience scheme called Yes, which would let people aged 18 to 30 live, work and study on both sides of the Channel, is a top priority. The loss of people‑to‑people links is viewed as a major Brexit consequence, and many European officials who studied in the UK feel the issue is especially resonant.

EU officials argue the bloc holds leverage, noting that the food and drink deal – a Labour manifesto pledge estimated at £5.1bn a year for the British economy – would only be implemented if a satisfactory tuition‑fee agreement is reached. after newsletter promotion

Likewise, the plan to reconnect emissions trading systems split by Brexit, which would shield British exporters from EU carbon taxes, could also be delayed until tuition fees are settled.

A leaked draft of the summit statement suggests a link between the three agreements, looking forward to “their joint and timely entry into force”. The document also references the timing of the agreements.

Separately, EU sources say that without a tuition‑fee deal, the EU might postpone talks on the UK’s re‑entry into the European electricity market, slated to intensify next year. To rejoin, the UK would need to pledge an “appropriate” contribution to European cohesion funds aimed at supporting poorer regions.

This week the Guardian reported that the UK was ready to allocate up to £450m a year to provide EU students with discounted university tuition if Brussels granted Britain access to the Made in Europe industrial programme.

The EU indicated that no Made in Europe agreement would be concluded at the November summit because the bloc is still finalising its stance on the key draft legislation, the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA).

Targeted at strategic sectors such as electric cars and renewables, the law would restrict public subsidies and contracts to products made in Europe.

France, backed by many European Parliament lawmakers, is pushing for a narrow definition of Made in Europe, while Germany leads a larger group of countries that do not wish to exclude trade partners, including the UK.