UK could keep special pre-Brexit terms if it rejoined EU, Michel Barnier says

UK Could Retain Pre-Brexit Advantages by Rejoining EU, Says Michel Barnier

UK could keep special pre Brexit - Michel Barnier, the former EU chief Brexit negotiator, has suggested that the United Kingdom might be able to reclaim its pre-Brexit advantages if it opted to rejoin the European Union. Speaking ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, Barnier emphasized that the UK’s potential return to the bloc could allow it to maintain certain privileges, such as its currency and exemption from the Schengen travel zone, without fully committing to EU-wide policies.

Barnier’s remarks came as part of a broader discussion on the UK’s evolving relationship with Europe. He argued that the clarity of the UK’s position within the EU has increased over time, with growing evidence that rejoining could offer greater stability and strength for the nation. His comments contradict earlier assertions from some EU officials, including Poland’s foreign minister, who had suggested the UK might be compelled to accept harsher conditions upon its return.

Flexibility in EU Membership Agreements

Barnier highlighted that the UK’s current economic and political challenges might be exacerbated by its departure from the EU, but the country could still secure favorable terms if it chose to rejoin. He pointed to existing EU treaties as a foundation for this possibility, noting that member states like Denmark have permanent opt-outs from adopting the euro, and Ireland holds an official exemption from the Schengen passport-free travel area. “It is perfectly possible to have opt-outs in these fields,” he stated, underscoring that the EU’s structure allows for exceptions even in key areas such as monetary union and border control.

“I am speaking about Schengen, I am speaking about the single currency: there are other member states who are not in them. It would not be fair to say that the problems of the UK today are due to Brexit but what I am sure of is that all these problems are more difficult because of Brexit.”

Barnier also noted that the EU’s current treaties do not mandate a fixed timeline for joining the euro, which means new members can negotiate their entry. He added that the UK could potentially retain its own currency, the pound, and avoid the Schengen zone, provided it re-enters the EU under terms that align with these precedents. This vision of a flexible reintegration has sparked renewed interest among pro-EU advocates, with recent polls indicating a surge in public support for rejoining the bloc when pre-Brexit conditions are on the table.

The Path to Reintegration

Barnier, who remains a prominent figure in Brussels despite his return to French politics, acknowledged that the UK’s decision to rejoin would require negotiation. He expressed confidence in the EU’s ability to offer a tailored deal, saying, “It will be a choice and it will be open to negotiation. I will be ready at that time for free advice.” His remarks suggest that the EU could accommodate the UK’s preferences, particularly if the country demonstrates a willingness to compromise on key issues like free movement of people.

However, Barnier did not commit to the possibility of the UK retaining the financial rebate introduced during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure. This rebate, which reduced the UK’s contributions to the EU budget, remains a contentious point. He stated, “The DNA of the EU is solidarity that the more developed country helps the other … We will see if the UK decides to ask to join the EU.” His focus on solidarity implies that the UK’s financial terms would depend on its role in the EU’s future structure.

Current Political and Economic Context

Barnier’s analysis coincides with a pivotal moment in UK-EU relations. He will attend a UK in a Changing Europe conference in London this week, where the next phase of “reset” talks is set to take place in Brussels on 22 July. The delay in these negotiations has raised concerns among senior EU diplomats, who warn that momentum is waning. One such concern is the UK’s reluctance to restore lower pre-Brexit tuition fees for EU students as part of a broader youth exchange agreement.

Barnier, who guided the Brexit negotiations for four years, has consistently maintained that the UK made a misstep in leaving the EU. He argued that the UK’s slow economic growth and contentious immigration policies are more severe than they would have been had it remained a member. “Every day it will be more clear,” he said, referring to the growing realization among the British public that leaving the EU has led to a more unstable and fragile geopolitical landscape.

The former French prime minister also highlighted the EU’s need to remain firm on issues like free movement of people. He noted that the UK’s rejection of this principle has complicated its efforts to establish a closer economic relationship with Europe. “Never give any argument to the far right in France or elsewhere,” he cautioned, emphasizing the EU’s strategic position in the face of nationalist pressures.

Public Opinion and Future Prospects

Recent polling by YouGov reveals that 57% of Britons believe the country was incorrect in voting to leave the EU, with 23% of those who initially supported Brexit now reconsidering their stance. Barnier’s assertion that the UK’s current challenges are amplified by Brexit aligns with these findings, suggesting a shift in public sentiment. He further stated that the British people are increasingly aware of the risks of isolation in a rapidly changing world, a sentiment echoed by France and Germany.

As the UK prepares for its 10th anniversary since Brexit, Barnier’s remarks serve as both a critique of the current situation and a hopeful outlook for reintegration. His insights, though not binding, carry significant weight in Brussels, where debates over the UK’s future role in the EU continue. With France facing the possibility of a far-right president in 2026, Barnier’s emphasis on maintaining EU unity underscores the political stakes of the UK’s potential return.

Barnier’s vision of a flexible reentry model could reshape the UK’s relationship with the EU, offering a pathway to regain some of the benefits lost during the Brexit process. His comments, however, remain conditional on the UK’s willingness to negotiate and the EU’s ability to adapt its terms to accommodate the country’s needs. As the reset talks approach, the question of whether the UK will reclaim its pre-Brexit status remains one of the most pressing discussions in European politics.