The UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) gave the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) the opportunity to move away from the requirements of the EU Directive (European Commission 2005a). In their latest version of the standards for pre-registration midwifery programmes (NMC 2024); however, the NMC chose to retain the directive. If this were to change in the future, as is currently being discussed, it would raise questions about professional alignment and international mobility across the European region. As the professional voice for midwives in the UK and a Member Association of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) recognises that the update to Annex V (European Commission 2005b) of the directive is not merely a technical exercise. It is a pivotal moment for midwifery associations to shape the future of our profession, ensuring that education frameworks reflect contemporary practice, international evidence, and the needs of women and families.

The authors argue that the principles of the EU Directive (European Commission 2005a) on professional qualifications remain a crucial benchmark for the UK. Maintaining an understanding and respect for these standards is essential to ensure that UK-educated midwives are recognised internationally, and that the profession continues to benefit from a collaborative and globally informed approach to maternity care.