“I believe Brexit was a monumental error,” stated former London student Stubb, who has a British spouse and children with dual nationality. “I’m too diplomatic to fully express my thoughts on those who championed Brexit during the campaign and still claim it’s beneficial… But it’s not just self-sabotage; it’s akin to amputating your leg without medical justification.”
Stubb acknowledged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s lack of intent to rejoin the EU but urged Brits and Europeans to now be “pragmatic” and exhibit flexibility on both sides.
Ongoing negotiations to enhance the partnership between London and Brussels have been delayed since Starmer’s Labour assumed power in 2024, due to conflicts over youth mobility programs, student fees, and the U.K.’s financial contribution to an arms investment package.
“We need a U.K. voice in Europe. We really miss you guys,” Stubb remarked. “I would express my view that it took you seven years to exit the EU, it will take seven years to regret it, and seven years to return. I hope.”
Stubb advocated for British membership in the EU’s customs union and participation in the single market. Red lines during protracted Brexit negotiations resulted in the U.K. leaving both structures five years ago, under a minimalist deal orchestrated by Boris Johnson.
“We need to be super pragmatic,” he advised, instead of Europeans persisting in “punishing” the U.K. for its departure. “Move past the idea that the U.K. should be excluded from the customs union or internal market. Consider a more flexible approach.”
Stubb also proposed that the EU reform its structures to allow more adaptability in cooperation among member nations and engage with states not officially part of the EU.
He mentioned Iceland’s renewed interest in EU membership, expressed a desire for Norway to join, and humorously suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a jog in London on Tuesday morning, that Canada should contemplate EU membership too.
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