Michel Barnier, the former European Union chief Brexit negotiator, states that the United Kingdom could retain its previous special membership conditions, including the pound sterling and an opt-out from the Schengen Area, if the country chooses to rejoin the EU. According to an interview with The Guardian, Barnier maintains that such exemptions remain legally and politically possible, countering arguments that the UK would be forced into standard entry requirements.
Can the UK Rejoin the EU Without Adopting the Euro?
Rejoining the European Union would not automatically mandate the adoption of the euro, according to Michel Barnier. While EU treaties generally require member states to join the eurozone, Barnier points to existing precedents and the flexibility of the bloc to argue that the UK could negotiate an opt-out. He notes that other member states currently operate outside of the eurozone and the Schengen Area, making a similar arrangement for the UK entirely feasible during potential accession negotiations.
Under current EU rules, all new member states are legally obligated to join the Schengen Area once technical and security requirements are met. However, the political reality of treaty negotiations allows for specific exemptions, as seen in the case of Denmark’s long-standing opt-outs.
How Does the Rejoin Movement View These Comments?
Barnier’s assessment provides a significant boost to advocacy groups pushing for the UK to reverse Brexit. Pro-EU campaigners argue that public support for rejoining the bloc increases when the conversation focuses on retaining the UK’s historical “special status.” This perspective contrasts with the prevailing assumption in some political circles that the UK would face punitive or rigid conditions—such as mandatory Schengen membership—if it sought to return to the European fold.
What Are the Current Hurdles to Closer UK-EU Ties?
Despite Barnier’s optimism regarding future membership, immediate diplomatic relations face friction. High-ranking EU diplomats recently reported a “loss of momentum” in current negotiations, according to reports. A primary point of contention involves the UK’s resistance to restoring lower tuition fees for EU students, a measure the EU considers vital for a proposed youth exchange agreement. This standoff highlights the practical challenges of aligning policies even before the question of full membership is revisited.
Comparison of Negotiating Priorities
| Issue | EU Stance | UK Status |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Eurozone target | Pound Sterling |
| Schengen | Mandatory accession | Outside border zone |
When analyzing European policy changes, always distinguish between “treaty requirements” and “negotiated protocols.” Treaties set the baseline, but protocols often provide the legal shelter for unique national exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Would the UK lose its pound if it rejoined the EU?
Not necessarily. Michel Barnier stated that exemptions for the single currency are possible, as there are precedents for members staying outside the eurozone. - Is the UK required to join the Schengen Area?
While new member states are usually required to join, Barnier suggests the UK could negotiate an opt-out based on its specific situation. - What is the main obstacle to a youth exchange deal?
Current negotiations are stalled largely due to the UK’s disagreement over restoring lower tuition fees for EU students.
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