Lobbying success in UK-EU summit deal
Full Page image
dhewitt@abta.co.uk Thu, 05/22/2025 - 08:55
Monday was a big day for UK-EU relations, with a new agreement reached. There is a lot in there relating to travel, much of which relates directly to ABTA’s lobbying work.
We’re pleased to see that our voice has been heard across a range of issues – changes that will make tangible difference to customers and members.
One of the issues we’ve been raising is the need to make travel easier between the UK and EU. The agreement clarifies that EU member states can offer access to e-gates to UK nationals from the moment the EU Entry/Exit System is implemented, which is due in October. This is a welcome move and should help to reduce queues in the future.
We’re also really pleased to see that the UK and EU have responded to our calls to make it easier for young people to work in the EU. We know members have really struggled to employ UK staff in destination in recent years, so the commitment to explore a youth experience scheme is an important step forward for the industry. An agreement would lead to reduced costs and red tape for businesses, as well as reintroducing an essential entry point for new talent.
Away from the headlines of the deal, the agreement also includes measures which should help travel companies in their business operations.
Since the UK left the EU we’ve raised our concerns about the end to sharing of data and intelligence on health matters. Under the agreement the Commission and the UK have committed to cooperate on health security, including the detection of, preparedness for and response to emerging health-related threats.
There was also a commitment to explore the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQs) and discuss easing rules around temporary business visits. Again, these are important issues we have raised on behalf of members.
ABTA has put a lot of work into engaging politicians and officials; before the referendum, after the vote, and since we left the EU, highlighting the impact on our members and suitable policy solutions. Monday’s announcement showed the importance of persistence when it comes to lobbying.
There is still more to understand about what was agreed, along with next steps and timelines. We are evaluating all of the information on behalf of our members, and will be engaging with the government on their further negotiations.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive
Continue reading...
Full Page image
dhewitt@abta.co.uk Thu, 05/22/2025 - 08:55
Monday was a big day for UK-EU relations, with a new agreement reached. There is a lot in there relating to travel, much of which relates directly to ABTA’s lobbying work.
We’re pleased to see that our voice has been heard across a range of issues – changes that will make tangible difference to customers and members.
One of the issues we’ve been raising is the need to make travel easier between the UK and EU. The agreement clarifies that EU member states can offer access to e-gates to UK nationals from the moment the EU Entry/Exit System is implemented, which is due in October. This is a welcome move and should help to reduce queues in the future.
We’re also really pleased to see that the UK and EU have responded to our calls to make it easier for young people to work in the EU. We know members have really struggled to employ UK staff in destination in recent years, so the commitment to explore a youth experience scheme is an important step forward for the industry. An agreement would lead to reduced costs and red tape for businesses, as well as reintroducing an essential entry point for new talent.
Away from the headlines of the deal, the agreement also includes measures which should help travel companies in their business operations.
Since the UK left the EU we’ve raised our concerns about the end to sharing of data and intelligence on health matters. Under the agreement the Commission and the UK have committed to cooperate on health security, including the detection of, preparedness for and response to emerging health-related threats.
There was also a commitment to explore the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQs) and discuss easing rules around temporary business visits. Again, these are important issues we have raised on behalf of members.
ABTA has put a lot of work into engaging politicians and officials; before the referendum, after the vote, and since we left the EU, highlighting the impact on our members and suitable policy solutions. Monday’s announcement showed the importance of persistence when it comes to lobbying.
There is still more to understand about what was agreed, along with next steps and timelines. We are evaluating all of the information on behalf of our members, and will be engaging with the government on their further negotiations.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive
Continue reading...
