Lower taxes for European students in the UK: the stakes at the 20th summit with the EU

Preparations are in full swing for the summit between the United Kingdom and the European Union on 20 November, and London appears willing to make significant concessions to Brussels in exchange for participation in ‘Made in Europe’, the programme aimed at protecting European industry from foreign competition.

According to various sources, the British Government is reportedly prepared to reduce university fees for European students attending British universities. The move, which responds to a long-standing request from the EU, would cost up to 450 million pounds a year. London would, in fact, have to compensate British universities, which are already facing financial difficulties and rely on the higher fees paid by international students.

This would therefore amount to reversing one of the punitive consequences of Brexit: until Britain’s exit from the EU, Italian students and those from other Member States wishing to study in the UK paid 9,000 pounds – the same tuition fees as British students. After Brexit, however, they were treated as ‘foreigners’ in every respect, and university fees have more than tripled, ranging from 27,000 to 60,000 pounds a year depending on the course.

Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister, was the first head of government to openly criticise Brexit – saying it had done “more harm than good” – and to declare that he wanted a gradual rapprochement with the EU, which does not rule out a possible return as a member state.

“We are building an ambitious and close relationship with the EU that will strengthen our economy, protect our industry and create more opportunities for our young people,” said a government spokesperson, who did not confirm the rumours regarding the ongoing negotiations.