The question of the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union is no longer limited to British domestic politics. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have publicly supported the possibility of Britain one day re-entering the EU. Macron described such a prospect as “excellent news.”
UK Prime Minister Opens Debate on Membership
The discussion gained momentum after statements by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has raised several possibilities for the future relationship between London and Brussels.
According to Reuters, he mentioned not only closer cooperation and the potential return to the customs union or single market, but even the prospect of the United Kingdom fully returning to the EU.
Burnham also emphasized that his government continues to honour the Labour Party’s pre-election commitments: that Britain will remain outside the EU, as well as the single market and customs union. Nevertheless, he has said he wishes to reopen the question of Britain’s long-term relationship with Europe.
Macron Calls Prospective Return “Excellent News”
French President Emmanuel Macron responded positively to the possibility of the UK’s return.
During a visit to Spain with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, both leaders expressed openness to Britain rejoining the European bloc. Macron called even the prospect of renewed discussions about UK membership “excellent news.”
Sánchez added that Spain would welcome such a development.
Their statements, however, do not signal the beginning of a formal process for the UK to rejoin the EU. What they represent is political support for an option newly raised by the British Prime Minister.
Brexit Changed Relations for Years to Come
The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020. After a transition period, the relationship between London and Brussels has been governed by a new framework since January 1, 2021.
Since then, Britain has not belonged to the EU single market or customs union.
Any potential return would not simply restore the UK’s original membership. It would require a new political and legal process, as well as agreement between Britain and the member states.
Aktualizovane.sk has previously reported on the context and development of UK-EU relations post-Brexit. Brexit is a closed chapter: Britain left the EU in 2020.
Britain Currently Exploring Closer Cooperation
This debate over possible membership comes as London and Brussels also look at ways to strengthen cooperation even without immediate plans for the UK to rejoin the EU.
In recent months, the British government has stressed the need for closer ties with its European partners. Talks have focused on trade, security, defence, and cooperation to address illegal crossings over the English Channel.
France remains one of the key partners for Britain in tackling Channel migration. Recently, however, Paris decided to terminate their special migrant returns agreement, set to end on October 1, 2026.
France and Britain continue to discuss the future of their cooperation after Brexit.
No Immediate Return on the Table
Burnham’s remarks should therefore be seen primarily as opening a political discussion.
Reuters points out that any major change in the UK’s relationship with the EU would depend on future policy and perhaps a fresh electoral mandate. For now, the British government maintains that the country will remain outside the Union, consistent with its stated commitments.
Even if Britain were to seek a return in the future, it would have to go through the accession process and meet the requirements of EU membership. A final decision would rest with the member states.
Thus, this is not an announcement of a British return, but rather a significant shift in the tone of the debate about the long-term relationship London seeks with Europe.
Macron continues to champion a stronger Europe and closer cooperation between member states.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
