UK willing to spend £450m a year on EU students if it can join Made in Europe scheme

The UK government is considering spending up to £450m annually to offer EU students discounted university fees, contingent on access to the EU's Made in Europe industrial program. Officials are negotiating terms that would allow EU students to pay the same fees as UK students, but only if the EU grants the UK entry into its protectionist scheme. The discussions are part of broader negotiations aimed at strengthening UK-EU ties, with a summit scheduled for November 20. While there is optimism about reaching agreements on various issues, including youth mobility and emissions trading, the fee structure remains a contentious point. EU officials demand lower fees for their students, while the UK seeks guarantees for its companies under the new industrial framework. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact both educational and economic relations between the UK and the EU.