UK links cheaper EU student fees to access to the bloc’s Made in Europe scheme
The UK government is willing to let EU students pay reduced university fees if Brussels grants British firms access to its proposed Made in Europe industrial scheme, according to The Guardian. The highest-cost option could require the government to pay universities up to €515m (£450m) a year, while UK officials called that estimate speculative and too high; talks are under way ahead of the 20 November summit.
Bottom line — The Guardian reports that student fees and Made in Europe access remain two hurdles in the UK-EU summit negotiations.
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The Guardian says the most expensive estimate assumes EU students pay the same fees as UK students and demand is very high.
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The Financial Times reports that the Russell Group puts the possible cost to universities above €573m (£500m).
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EU students currently pay international tuition rates in the UK, which can be three or four times the £9,790 charged to UK students, according to the Financial Times.
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The Guardian reports that France has proposed allowing British manufacturers into the scheme if the UK dynamically aligns with EU trade measures.
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The Financial Times says the UK initially offered 50,000 places in a youth mobility scheme, while the EU pushed for 100,000 to 150,000 a year.
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The Guardian reports that agreement has largely been reached on emissions trading, agricultural products and youth mobility, with fees and industrial-scheme access still unresolved.
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Former chancellor Rachel Reeves said Britain’s future lies in the EU, while stressing that supporters of re-entry must show the public tangible benefits, according to the Yorkshire Post.
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The Financial Times reports that UK officials estimate the summit package could add 0.3% to GDP.