The recent UK-EU Summit has resulted in significant developments for travel industry. It addresses key issues like mobility, professional qualification, and data exchange.
As reported by Travel WeeklyThe UK-EU summit brought about several agreements that may reshape how travel is conducted between the UK, and the European Union. The summit was the culmination of years of lobbying by ABTA, and other travel industry groups. It has led to negotiations and changes proposed for easing travel and employment restrictions imposed due to Brexit.
Travel and Mobility: The Key Developments
The summit made a number of notable announcements. One was that egates would be implemented in time for the EU Entry/Exit System, which is scheduled to begin in October. The new development will not impact the summer season, but will be introduced gradually in various countries.
The summit also revealed the sharp decline in UK citizens working in travel-related jobs within the EU such as ski guides or travel agents, which has decreased by almost 70% since Brexit. Both sides agreed that a UK-EU deal on youth mobility is essential for restoring business opportunities and easing constraints.
Enhancing Professional Engagement and Data-sharing
The travel industry will continue to discuss ways to improve the mutual recognition and acceptance of professional qualifications. This is vital for their operations across borders. Priority was also given to better data exchange on security and health issues. It would mean restoring UK access to vital EU databases which track public health threats.
Economic and environmental considerations
The summit opened discussion on the possibility of linking UK and EU trading schemes for emissions. The area of carbon pricing and aviation allowances is one that involves many complex trade-offs.
Continued Advocacy & Future Negotiations
Even with these gains, there are still many unresolved issues. Further negotiations are expected. ABTA has pledged to continue its advocacy in order to ensure that the interests and concerns of the travel industry will be well represented. This is important for addressing other concerns such as the cabotage rules of coach operators, and for facilitating school travel.
The UK-EU summit has set the scene for potential transformational changes in the travel sector. The immediate effects are small, but the groundwork for major improvements in travel, professional exchanges, environmental policies and mobility have been laid. Travel industry hopes that as the negotiations progress, there will be a better integration and cooperation between the UK and EU.
