But there is not much room for manoeuvre. Since taking office, the British Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer he is trying to establish good relations with the EU with a sincere charm offensive. There is much talk of a “fresh start”, after the often chilly atmosphere under the previous Conservative government. The first destinations of the new head of government were Berlin, Paris and Brussels.

Starmer has certainly encountered a warm climate there. The President of the Council of the EU Antonio Costa he has already invited the prime minister to an informal meeting of heads of government in the new year. British Labor plans regular high-level meetings with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. “Dear Kiir, in these very uncertain times, like-minded partners like us need to work together more closely,” the Commission president said during her visit in early October.

New deals are on the horizon. For example, there is likely to be a so-called SPS agreement, which will facilitate controls on food, live animals, feed, plants and seeds. The two partners are also coming closer in the areas of arms and defense cooperation – the UK already has a similar agreement with Germany.

There are high expectations, especially from the UK, for a review of the trade deal struck by Brussels and London at Christmas 2020. But the EU is putting the brakes on: there will be no real drastic changes and the deal will not be reopened, diplomat says which has an image of the conversations.

Starmer’s red lines

In any case, it is questionable how much room for maneuver there is. Starmer has drawn several red lines: no return to the EU’s single market and customs union, which the UK left four years ago on January 1, 2021. And no joint program for youth exchanges, as the EU is demanding . This would allow young people aged 18 to 30 to study or work in the EU or UK for up to two years without a visa.

Brexit has hit the interpersonal sector particularly hard. The number of German students in the UK has steadily declined since then. According to UK Higher Education Statistics, the number of students remained relatively stable at just under 14,000 between 2016 and 2019. After Brexit, it has been steadily shrinking, falling to 8,240 in 2022/2023.

According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the coronavirus is only partially responsible for this. “The sharp decrease from 2020/2021 has to do with the implementation of Brexit from January 1, 2020 and the significant increase in tuition fees for foreigners, as well as visa regulations,” he says in response to a question from the German Agency News.

According to the figures of the organizations represented in AJA (Arbeitskreis gemeinnütziger Jugendaustausch – Working Group for non-profit youth exchanges) significantly more students now spend only six months in the UK, instead of one year. “A student exchange for a year now often costs more than 20,000 euros,” it says.

Visa-free travel

In order to improve academic exchanges, the DAAD would like the British to join the Erasmus program again. There should also be better opportunities for exchange students to do internships. This is not expected in the short term. The Commission said: “So far, the UK has not expressed any interest in rejoining the Erasmus+ programme.”

Greater mobility is also important for the economy. “A special Christmas wish would be serious changes to immigration,” explains Alexander von Massenbach of the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG). This would include simplifying visa procedures for skilled workers, recognizing professional qualifications and improving the free movement of skilled workers.

This is not foreseen either. “I’ve made it clear from the start that free movement is a red line for us and we have no plans in relation to free movement at any level,” Starmer recently told the Sun newspaper.

Unbelievably important approach steps

This attitude shows a lack of understanding. In interviews with the British media, the German ambassador M. Berger regularly stresses that a “youth mobility programme” – contrary to what London claims – does not mean unwanted migration through the back door, and instead offers advantages for all sides. The Association of British Chambers of Commerce is also calling for concessions – and a dozen other measures to cut red tape created by Brexit.

Therefore, it is unlikely that the positive tone will be followed by significant steps of rapprochement after the historic Brexit rupture. Starmer and his social democratic Labor Party’s fear of vocal hard-liners such as Nigel Farage’s right-wing populist Reform UK party is also seen as too great. The Brexit mastermind prides himself on his close ties to future US president Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk – who is now heavily involved in British politics and could back Reform UK with millions.

Edited by: Kostas Argyros