Keir Starmer’s EU Visit: A Step Toward Closer Ties or a Gateway for Mass Migration?

In 2010, the European Union launched Europe 2020, an initiative aimed at reducing unemployment across the continent. At the time, 20 million people were jobless within the EU, prompting efforts to stimulate economic growth and workforce mobility. While the initiative had some success, it also contributed to a significant migration wave—particularly toward the UK.
By 2023, the UK Home Office reported that 7,723,880 EEC nationals had registered for settled status in Britain. However, this figure does not account for the millions who entered the UK to work in the cash economy, avoiding tax contributions while benefiting from public services.
Now, as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Brussels, his discussions with EU leaders focus on security, trade, and economic cooperation. However, the specter of free movement looms large over these negotiations. Many EU nations, particularly those with high youth unemployment, are keen to revive some form of labor mobility with the UK.
The Unemployment Challenge
Currently, the EU has around 2 million unemployed youths, many of whom do not qualify for unemployment benefits in their home countries due to a lack of prior work history or tax contributions. If Starmer agrees to loosen immigration controls, these individuals could see Britain as their best chance for employment—especially given the stark wage disparities across Europe.
For example, after taxes, the minimum weekly wage in various EU nations is as follows:
- Portugal – £149
- France – £268
- Netherlands – £291
- UK – £375
Given this wage gap, it is not just the unemployed who might look toward Britain, but also low-income workers across the EU seeking higher earnings. Moreover, the cost of living is higher in countries like Denmark, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Sweden, making the UK an even more attractive destination.
Starmer’s Balancing Act
While Starmer insists he will not rejoin the single market or customs union, his push for closer economic ties with the EU could open the door to increased migration. The EU, for its part, has hinted that any security and defense agreements might come with conditions, including discussions on youth mobility and labor access—areas where the UK government has so far remained cautious.
Meanwhile, the UK faces economic challenges of its own. Starmer is eager to boost growth and mend post-Brexit relations, but this must be weighed against potential pressures on housing, public services, and employment opportunities for British citizens.
With the US also imposing tariffs on EU goods, Britain is trying to navigate a complex trade and diplomatic landscape. But if migration policy becomes a bargaining chip, the UK could once again find itself managing a fresh wave of economic migrants—just as it did in the wake of Europe 2020.
As Starmer engages with EU leaders, one key question remains: Will closer ties with Europe come at the cost of Britain’s labor market stability?