The European Green party has called on the UK to consider rejoining the European Union, describing Brexit as a political and economic failure. A declaration stating that "the United Kingdom's future lies in the European Union" was adopted by a large majority at the movement's annual leadership meeting in Brussels on Friday, the day before Europe Day.
Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Greens, said the move was intended to trigger a debate. "Somebody has to trigger the debate," she said. Insiders said it was the first time a European political party had officially invited the UK to rejoin the bloc. The declaration also calls for energy independence and action to counter the far-right.
The intervention comes after Keir Starmer's Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections, with Nigel Farage's Reform Party making gains, while Greens appeared to struggle to convert increased votes into seats. The text states that Brexit has had "lasting negative consequences" for people in the UK and across Europe, and that the European Green family stands ready to welcome the UK back "when it chooses this path".
Delegates from 30 European green parties gathered in Brussels to approve the text, including representatives from non-EU member states. British green parties were not present because of local and parliamentary elections, but were entitled to take a position remotely. Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has described Brexit as "a sledgehammer to an already weak economy" and expressed firm support for rejoining. A spokesperson said: "Brexit has been a disaster and we have always said we should rejoin the EU when the political circumstances are right."
The declaration could intensify debate in the UK about closer economic ties with the EU, amid a looming downturn and heightened security concerns. However, Greens are represented in few EU governments, and no other European political parties are expected to follow suit. Tsetsi insisted Green fortunes were rising again, pointing to recent election results in Denmark, the UK and mayoral contests across Europe, including victories in Riga and Copenhagen in 2025.
