Michel Barnier, the European Union's former chief Brexit negotiator, has stated that Britain could retain its special pre-Brexit terms if it decided to rejoin the bloc. In an exclusive interview ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, Barnier argued that it is 'perfectly possible' for the UK to keep the pound sterling and remain outside the Schengen passport-free travel area.
Barnier's comments challenge re-entry sceptics
The remarks contradict suggestions from some authoritative figures, including Poland's foreign minister, that the UK would face stricter conditions upon re-entering the EU. Barnier's stance is seen as a boost for campaigners advocating for rejoining, with polls indicating stronger support when the previous terms are available.
Under EU treaties, all member states are expected to adopt the euro, except Denmark, which has a permanent opt-out. New members are also legally required to join Schengen once they meet technical and security requirements. However, Barnier pointed to existing precedents, noting that five of the 13 countries that joined the EU since 2004 have not yet adopted the euro, and Ireland has an official opt-out from Schengen.
Potential opt-outs and the UK rebate
Barnier declined to comment on whether the UK could retain the rebate secured by Margaret Thatcher, which reduced its budget contributions. 'The DNA of the EU is solidarity,' he said, adding that any re-entry terms would be open to negotiation.
Barnier will be in London on Tuesday for a conference marking the decade since the Brexit vote. His interview comes as UK-EU 'reset' talks are scheduled for 22 July in Brussels, after several delays. Senior EU diplomats have warned that 'momentum is being lost' in negotiations, with the UK resisting a call to restore lower tuition fees for EU students.
Barnier reflects on Brexit's impact
Barnier, who led four years of Brexit negotiations culminating in a trade deal in December 2020, remains convinced that leaving the EU was the wrong choice. He said evidence of this becomes clearer 'every day,' pointing to the UK's slow economic growth and toxic immigration debate. '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,' he stated.
Regarding the UK government's hopes for a closer economic relationship with Europe, Barnier ruled out frictionless trade without accepting free movement of people. 'Never give any argument to the far right in France or elsewhere,' he said, when asked about deeper trade ties.
Future of UK-EU relations
Barnier, who served briefly as French prime minister in 2024 and is considered a potential unity candidate for the centre and centre-right in the upcoming French presidential election, proposed a new European council for defence and security that would include the UK, Ukraine, and Norway. This council would cooperate on military initiatives and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Recent YouGov polling shows that 57% of Britons think voting to leave the EU was wrong, including 23% of leave voters. Support for rejoining stands at 55%, but falls to 35% if the UK must rejoin without its previous opt-outs. Barnier believes the British people will increasingly see that 'we cannot be alone' in a dangerous and unstable world.
