France and Spain Welcome Prospect of UK Return to EU

French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have voiced warm support for the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union, in the first major continental welcome since British Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled the issue is on the table.

The twin endorsements came at a joint press conference in Madrid on September 30, during Macron’s official state visit to Spain — just hours after Burnham told the BBC his government is weighing the full spectrum of future ties with Brussels, from the status quo to customs union membership, single-market access, or a return to the EU itself.

Burnham made clear no final decision had been taken: he said ministers would assess the pros and cons and what is realistically achievable for each option. The UK left the bloc on 31 January 2020, with its post-Brexit trade deal taking effect at the start of 2021.

In Madrid, Macron struck a positive tone, stating that Britain’s return would be in the interests of both the UK and Europe. Sánchez went further, calling Brexit a loss both for the British people and the European project as a whole, and saying Spain would “welcome” the UK back.

Crucially, however, neither leader can deliver membership alone. As things stand, the backing of Paris and Madrid is a diplomatic starting point — not a done deal.

Under EU rules, rejoining would require a formal application from London, unanimous backing from all 27 member states, consent from the European Parliament, and ratification in every EU country as well as the UK. Negotiations would then set out exactly what terms Britain would join on.

Macron also offered a note of caution: closer involvement in Europe means accepting responsibilities as well as benefits. He warned against picking and choosing only the most attractive parts of membership — a point that cuts to the heart of the debate now unfolding in Britain, where each option carries very different obligations.

For businesses, travellers, students and workers, the statements are a significant political signal — but not a change in law or borders. Existing trade and travel rules remain in place; any shift would depend on the path the UK chooses and the long negotiations that would follow.

What has changed is the conversation: leaders on both sides of the Channel are now openly talking about Britain’s return. The next step is whether London turns its review of options into a concrete proposal — and whether the rest of the EU is ready to agree.