Statements
On the Discussions within the UK Parliament about a potential EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme Agreement
This statement from CONNECTS-UK addresses recent discussions in the UK Parliament regarding a potential EU-UK Youth Mobility Scheme Agreement. It advocates for the scheme as a means of improving opportunities for young people and strengthening educational and research links between the UK and the EU. The statement raises concerns about declining EU student numbers in the UK post-Brexit and calls for measures such as rejoining Erasmus+, lowering tuition fees, and reducing visa costs.
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On the EU-UK Summit and the potential Youth Mobility Scheme Agreement
This statement from CONNECTS-UK responds to the outcomes of the recent EU-UK Summit, highlighting the inclusion of a potential Youth Mobility Scheme Agreement in the renewed cooperation agenda. It supports the scheme as a necessary step toward restoring opportunities for young people and revitalising academic and research ties between the UK and the EU. The commentary urges both parties to move beyond symbolic commitments and implement concrete measures, while expressing concern over the UK’s increasingly restrictive immigration policies.
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On the European Commission’s draft proposal for FP10
This statement from CONNECTS-UK responds to the European Commission’s draft proposal for FP10, welcoming its ambition and expanded budget while stressing the need for stronger UK association on equal terms with EU member states. It endorses FP10’s focus on collaborative research and mobility, urging inclusive governance and explicit UK participation in schemes such as Choose Europe. The commentary highlights challenges faced by EU researchers in the UK, calls for more accessible funding and mobility procedures, and affirms that respect for human rights must remain a condition for association with FP10.
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On the Recent Announcements regarding Changes to Settlement Rules following the 2025 Immigration White Paper
This statement from CONNECTS‑UK addresses the UK Government’s recent announcements on proposed changes to settlement rules following the 2025 Immigration White Paper. It expresses concern about the potential extension of the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years and the lack of clarity on which visa routes would be affected. The declaration warns that such measures could increase financial burdens for international researchers and skilled professionals and undermine the UK’s ability to attract and retain global scientific talent. It calls for transparency, open consultation, and meaningful dialogue with affected communities, reaffirming the commitment of EU researchers in the UK to contribute to the country’s higher education, science, and innovation sectors.
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On the 2025 Autumn Budget and its Implications for Higher Education and EU Students and Researchers in the UK
This statement from CONNECTS-UK responds to the 2025 Autumn Budget and the introduction of a new £925 levy on international student fees in England from the 2028–29 academic year. It expresses deep concern about the potential implications of this measure for the higher education sector and the fast-accumulating financial pressures it may generate for international students, particularly those from EU countries, whose new enrolments had already fallen by 53% following Brexit. The statement warns that, although charged to institutions, the levy risks adding yet another obstacle for EU students if costs are passed on through higher fees, potentially accelerating the decline in participation, reducing mobility and knowledge exchange, and weakening the UK’s ability to attract, retain, and benefit from European talent. It calls on the Government to review the measure in light of its consequences for EU student participation, research mobility, and long-term EU-UK academic cooperation, reaffirming CONNECTS-UK’s commitment to supporting strong, inclusive links between the UK and EU research and higher education communities.
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Commentary pieces
The 2024 Elections: Shaping the Future of Research Collaboration between the EU and UK
This commentary piece from CONNECTS-UK highlights the importance of the 2024 EU elections for the future of research collaboration between the EU and the UK. It explores how the results may affect funding, researcher mobility, and participation in programmes such as Horizon Europe, particularly for EU researchers based in the UK. The piece also notes a shift towards right-wing and Eurosceptic parties, emphasising the need to maintain strong scientific cooperation across borders.
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The 2024 Elections: Labour’s New Approach to EU-UK Relations and the Imperative for Scientific and Research Priorities
This commentary piece from CONNECTS-UK examines Labour’s new approach to EU-UK relations following their 2024 general election victory. It acknowledges Labour’s aim to rebuild ties with the EU without rejoining, but criticises the lack of attention given to higher education, science, and research in the party’s manifesto. The article urges the government to prioritise support for early career researchers, facilitate academic mobility, and reform immigration policies that hinder international talent.
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Other relevant information
Relevant Data on EU-UK Migration Trends
This document provides an overview of recent trends in EU-UK migration, focusing on the impact of post-Brexit changes on EU student enrolments and the presence of EU academic staff in UK higher education. It includes data on shifting migration patterns, declining participation of EU students, and changes in the composition of academic staff, offering a snapshot of how the UK’s departure from the EU has affected its higher education landscape.
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Stakeholder Map
This map provides an overview of the organisational ecosystem surrounding CONNECTS-UK. It illustrates the geographic, institutional, and functional diversity of CONNECTS-UK’s stakeholders, highlighting their roles as funders, collaborators, enablers, and participants. The map offers a record of the growing network that the project has engaged with to support EU-UK engagement through research and diaspora-driven activities.
Click here to access the map.
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Policy Note on Supporting EU Research Diaspora Organisations in the UK
This policy note summarises the potential of EU research diaspora organisations and offers recommendations for two audiences:
- Emerging diaspora groups or similar professional groups considering how to begin organising and building communities.
- Embassies, funders, and collaborators who can support the long-term sustainability of these associations.
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Call for Evidence for the European Framework for Science Diplomacy
This document reflects our submission to the Call for Evidence shared by the European Union regarding the development of a European framework for science diplomacy.
