Experts involved in the Brexit negotiations have indicated that the United Kingdom would not be able to negotiate a return to the European Union under the favorable conditions it previously enjoyed.
Former officials from across Europe have suggested that if the UK were to pursue re-entry into the EU, it should not anticipate receiving terms as advantageous as those it held during its membership.
This cautionary perspective emerged as prominent Labour figures, vying for leadership positions within their party and the country, expressed a desire for a future return to the EU.
Georg Riekeles, a past adviser on the EU’s Brexit taskforce, noted that while EU member states would likely respond positively to a British application, they would adopt a pragmatic approach. “There is a strategic necessity for collaboration between the EU and the UK, but I doubt there would be a willingness to revisit the era of British exceptionalism,” he stated. “The cost of rejoining would be adhering to standard membership terms.”
During its 47 years as a member of the EU, the UK enjoyed a unique status that included exemptions from key policies like the euro and the Schengen zone, along with budget rebates, and had a significant influence on the EU’s agenda.
Sandro Gozi, who served as Italy’s Europe minister from 2014 to 2018, affirmed that any new negotiations would commence under standard terms, particularly regarding membership in the eurozone and the Schengen area. “The custom-fit arrangement is no longer available, and the UK’s negotiations would need to address all the typical issues faced by any candidate,” he remarked.
Now an MEP and chair of the European Parliament’s delegation to the EU-UK parliamentary partnership assembly, Gozi anticipated that EU member states would welcome a British application to rejoin, despite the potential uncertainty surrounding a possible Nigel Farage leadership.
Over the weekend, Wes Streeting, a former health secretary, advocated for the UK to consider rejoining the EU in the future. His allies have indicated that such a move would require either an election or a referendum to gain the support of the British electorate, reigniting long-standing divisions within the Labour Party over European matters.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who aims to return to Parliament to challenge the Prime Minister, has previously expressed a desire for the UK to rejoin the EU during his lifetime. However, he clarified on Monday that he would not pursue this goal immediately if he were to become Prime Minister.
He remarked, “Brexit has proven to be a significant setback for the UK and a loss for the EU as well. If, amid global turmoil, the UK were to request re-entry into the EU, it would represent a considerable victory for our political model—not against the UK, but in demonstrating our appeal.”
Burnham also highlighted alternative options for the UK, such as forming a partnership with the single market or participating in a new European security council, a proposed defense cooperative that is still in the early stages of development. “There are multiple avenues beyond full membership, but it ultimately depends on the UK deciding what it truly wants,” he stated.
Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister, known for his pro-British stance, cautioned that the UK should not expect to receive a similar arrangement to its previous “à la carte” membership. He emphasized that British leaders need to grasp the essential European principle that greater benefits come with a degree of shared sovereignty.
The application process for the UK, having undergone a contentious separation, is viewed as distinct from any other candidate’s situation.
Riekeles, now an associate director at the European Policy Centre, acknowledged that while there is enthusiasm in European capitals regarding positive signals from the UK, a formal process is still far off. “The EU would need to see a lasting national consensus indicating that the UK has genuinely reconsidered its position,” he explained.
Reflecting on his experiences, he remarked, “The EU can collaborate effectively with a UK that knows what it desires, but it finds it challenging to engage with a UK that seeks the advantages of integration while maintaining a stance of separation.”
He added, “The era of Brexit is over, especially in light of challenges such as Russian aggression, Chinese economic pressures, and the ‘America First’ policy under Trump. It is evident that the UK and the EU share a common strategic environment. If a national consensus emerged favoring reentry, I believe the EU would engage seriously. However, we are not at that point yet.”
Paula Pinho, chief spokesperson for the European Commission, refrained from commenting on potential negotiation terms. She referred to an upcoming EU-UK summit, anticipated in early July, stating, “Discussions are ongoing regarding closer cooperation in various areas. This is our current focus as we prepare for the next summit, rather than speculating on broader issues.”
