A senior European Union official has indicated that the bloc could significantly fast-track the United Kingdom's re-entry if it decided to reverse Brexit, citing the country's extensive pre-existing alignment with EU legislation and institutional memory from its previous membership.
EU Official Confirms Quicker Accession Possible
Sandro Gozi, chair of the European delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, stated that the EU would view a UK request to rejoin as a "major victory for the European project." He confirmed that a quicker accession process is feasible, largely due to the UK's prior integration and familiarity with EU systems.
Renewed Debate After Wes Streeting's Comments
The debate over Britain's EU membership was reignited after former health secretary Wes Streeting advocated for the country to rejoin, describing Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake." Streeting suggested that a future Labour government should pursue re-entry, prompting discussions about the practicalities and timeline.
Euro Membership Could Be Key Issue
Joining the Euro would likely be a key starting point for any re-accession talks, as it is a requirement for new members. However, some sources indicate there could be "wiggle room" given that several current EU member states do not use the currency and the UK currently does not meet the strict entry criteria. This could potentially ease the path for the UK.
EU Focused on Existing Agreements
Despite the potential for a fast-track, a source close to the EU's ambassador to the UK cautioned that the bloc is currently focused on implementing existing agreements with Britain. They view speculation about rejoining as an "internal issue" for the UK, noting that no formal request has been made. The EU is not actively pursuing this scenario but would respond if a request were submitted.
