The European Commission is preparing legislation to make it easier for UK professionals to work across the EU, by creating a standardized framework for recognizing foreign qualifications. This proposal aims to reset post-Brexit relations with the UK and meets one of the key requests made by London in recent negotiations.
What’s Being Proposed?
According to a draft document seen by the Financial Times, the European Commission plans to introduce legislation in 2025 to establish common rules for recognizing and validating qualifications and skills of third-country nationals, which includes UK citizens post-Brexit. This initiative is part of the EU’s upcoming Single Market Strategy.
If passed, UK professionals such as lawyers, engineers, and financial advisors could have their qualifications more easily recognized across EU member states—though individual countries would still control visa and work permit processes.
Learn more about recognition of professional qualifications in the EU here:
EU Commission – Recognition of Third-Country Qualifications
Why It Matters for the UK
Since the UK officially left the EU in 2020, many UK-based professionals have faced new barriers to working across the continent. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has named the removal of such barriers as a top priority for boosting economic growth. She recently stated that “our relationship with Europe is arguably more important than even that with the United States.”
This new proposal is expected to be a major point of discussion at the UK-EU Summit on May 19, 2025 in London, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also due to sign a joint defence and foreign policy declaration with EU leaders.
What’s Next?
The legislation, drafted by Internal Market Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, must first be finalized and then approved by a weighted majority of EU member states and the European Parliament. If successful, it could be a pivotal step toward deeper UK-EU economic collaboration.
For official UK updates on Brexit-related policies:
UK Government – Brexit: Check what you need to do
UK Government – Working abroad
Additionally, the EU and UK are expected to open talks on a veterinary agreement that would reduce food checks on British agricultural exports like beef and cheese. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič confirmed that “further work” is needed, particularly regarding access to UK fishing waters and reciprocal youth mobility arrangements.
For EU trade policy details:
European Commission – EU Trade Policy
EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement Summary
Final Thoughts
The recognition of UK qualifications within the EU could mark a key turning point in restoring economic cooperation. While visa requirements remain, streamlined recognition of credentials could significantly benefit UK professionals looking to expand into Europe.
