The European Union has indicated it could fast-track Britain's return to the bloc if the UK decides to reverse Brexit, dismissing suggestions that the country would be placed at the back of the queue for accession. Sandro Gozi, chair of the European delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, said the EU would view a request to rejoin as a 'major victory for the European project' and that a fast-track process would be possible.
Brussels sources confirmed that the UK's potential re-accession could take place much more quickly than for other candidate countries due to its significant pre-existing alignment with EU laws and institutions. Mr Gozi noted that the UK's institutional memory and existing alignment would allow for a faster process, comparing it to Finland's three-year accession in the 1990s.
However, the EU would likely insist on the UK joining the Euro as a starting point for talks. While multiple sources said this would not be a red line, given the strict entry criteria that the UK does not currently meet, it could be a contentious issue. The UK previously had an opt-out from the Euro and negotiated a rebate on its EU budget contributions, concessions that would likely be revisited.
The debate over re-joining has been reignited by former health secretary Wes Streeting, who called for the UK to rejoin as part of his Labour leadership pitch. Recent YouGov polling found that 63 per cent of Britons want closer ties with the EU, and 55 per cent support re-joining. Mr Gozi argued that a clear promise to return could diminish the appeal of Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Despite the potential for fast-tracked membership, some EU figures urged focus on current negotiations, such as the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) deal on food and plant trade. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in 2023 that the UK would be welcome to rejoin if it chose to do so.
