Macron says ‘welcome back’ to Burnham suggestion UK could rejoin EU
French president, speaking alongside Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez, says EU bid would be good news for UK and Europeans
TL;DR
- French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the suggestion of the UK rejoining the EU, saying "Welcome back."
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated Spain would welcome any bid from the UK to rejoin the EU.
- The comments follow a speech by Andy Burnham suggesting the UK needs to define its long-term relationship with the EU, including full membership.
- Macron believes the UK's return would be good news for both the UK and Europeans.
- EU officials are open to discussions but emphasize that the UK must define its desired future relationship, with options like customs union or single market membership via the European Economic Area being mentioned.
- France is reportedly the staunchest opponent of opening the EU's "Made in Europe" policy to non-EU countries like the UK.
- Macron cautioned that the UK cannot selectively choose EU freedoms if it wishes to rejoin.