Leading lawmakers within the European Union have expressed a strong desire for the United Kingdom to rejoin the bloc, though they insist that any return would come without the special exemptions the UK enjoyed during its previous membership.
The sentiment comes amid public calls for a return to the EU from figures including Sadiq Khan and Green Party leader Zack Polanski. A significant majority of the European Parliament appears open to a “Breturn,” with representatives from four of the seven political blocs supporting the move.
These groups represent more than two-thirds of the 720 sitting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This broad support includes the centrist Renew group, the largest grouping of MEPs (the EPP), the centre-left S&D and the Green bloc.
The End of “Cherry-Picking”
While the welcome may be warm, the terms would likely be rigid. Top EU lawmakers have made it clear that the UK would not be permitted to “cherry-pick” which rules to follow as a new member.
During its original tenure, the UK secured crucial opt-outs from certain areas of European integration. Most notably, these included the Schengen area of open borders and the adoption of the single currency, the Euro.
Under current EU rules, all members are required to adopt the Euro, with Denmark being the only exception. Lawmakers suggest that a rejoining UK could be forced to adopt the currency and join the Schengen area.
Sandro Gozi, who chairs the EU delegation to the EU-UK Partnership Assembly, stated that future accession must follow the Union’s rules and cannot be based on “tailor-made” conditions or “nostalgia for the past.”
Terry Reintke, co-president of the Green bloc, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the integrity of the Union’s common rules must be upheld. Similarly, European Parliament Vice-Presidents Victor Negrescu and Martin Hojsík agreed that any return would demand to be based on the same principles and conditions that apply to all member states.
Diverse Perspectives in Brussels
The support for the UK’s return spans a wide political spectrum. Iratxe García of the S&D grouping described Brexit as a mistake, stating the UK “belongs” in the EU, while David McAllister, head of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, called the exit a “historical regret.”
Even some hardline Eurosceptics, such as Irmhild Bossdorf of the Europe for Sovereign Nations group, expressed a desire for the alliance to expand if British voters so chose.
However, opposition remains. Two politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany Party argued that British voters made the right decision. Christine Anderson stated there is no convincing reason for the UK to surrender its sovereignty to Brussels again.
Official Stances and Future Outlook
Despite the enthusiasm of many MEPs, the official leadership of the EU remains more cautious. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized a focus on a strong EU-UK partnership that avoids “resurrecting the ghosts of the past.”
A spokesperson for the EU Commission maintained that the decision to leave was a sovereign one and that any decision to rejoin rests solely with the United Kingdom.
Within the UK, voices like former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine have called for rejoining at the earliest possible moment, describing the original exit as a “serious act of self harm.”
If the UK were to apply for membership, it is likely to face a rigorous process. Rihards Kols, a Latvian MEP, suggested that expecting a return to pre-Brexit rules would be “wishful thinking,” as the UK would have to enter the Union as it exists today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Would the UK be allowed to keep its own currency if it rejoined?
Most top EU lawmakers indicate that the UK would not be allowed to “cherry-pick” rules. Since EU rules require all members except Denmark to adopt the Euro, the UK could be forced to adopt the single currency.
Do all European lawmakers want the UK to return?
While a majority—including leading figures from four of the seven political blocs—support a return, some oppose it. For example, members of the Alternative for Germany Party believe the UK made the right decision by leaving.
Who decides if the UK can rejoin the EU?
According to a spokesperson for the EU Commission, any decision to rejoin the Union rests solely with the United Kingdom.
Do you believe the economic benefits of rejoining the EU would outweigh the requirement to adopt the Euro and join the Schengen area?
