The chair of the EU Parliament’s influential foreign affairs committee has told the UK there are “no political shortcuts” to any possible return to the EU.
German deputy David McAllister also branded the UK vote to exit the EU as a “historical mistake.”
He was speaking amid ongoing current speculation about possible future EU policy under the Labour government.
With UK PM Sir Keir Starmer coming under increasing pressure, the two possible leading candidates for his job have been reportedly speaking about their position on any possible return to the EU.
Andy Burnham, who is not an MP but the current Mayor of Manchester, has, according to reports, distanced himself from any such scenario while Wes Streeting, who until recently was health secretary, is apparently firmly in favour of the UK rejoining the 27-strong bloc.
The picture will become a lot clearer if Burnham wins an upcoming by election in the UK, If he is successful, that could pave the way for him to launch a formal challenge against Keir Starmer in the summer.
Polling suggests there is a narrow majority of Britons in favour of a return to the EU than staying out.
Speaking this week to this site, McAllister said, “At present, the United Kingdom has not applied to rejoin the European Union. The question is therefore hypothetical.”
He went on, though, to state that, “Any European country can apply to join the European Union under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. The path is clear: a formal application to the Council, an assessment by the Commission, and unanimous agreement by the Member States to open and conclude negotiations. This framework applies to all. EU accession is a structured process, not a political shortcut.”
The veteran MEP, who was born to a Scottish father and German mother, added, “Membership is built on the EU acquis, the common rules that hold the European Union together.
“The United Kingdom would start from a different position. Much of its system still reflects years of membership and remains closely aligned. But alignment is not static. Any application would require a focused review to ensure that UK rules match current EU law. Enlargement remains merit-based.”
The centre right deputy continued, “A closer relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union would clearly be in the mutual interest of both sides. We face the same security challenges, economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainties.
Brexit was a historical mistake which I deeply regret. It weakened the United Kingdom’s economic position and reduced its strategic weight. At the same time, the European Union lost a key member at a moment when alliances are under strain, geopolitical tensions are rising, and democracies are under pressure.”
Meanwhile, further comment on the issue has come from former UK Liberal MEP Andrew Duff, now an Academic Fellow of the European Policy Centre.
He said, “The early policy of the current UK Labour government was to “make Brexit work”. This has now been ditched. What will replace it?”
When considering how a bid for full membership might be handled, he suggests a need for both sides to “lay the groundwork through confidence-building measures.”
“There is ample scope for practical collaboration on security and defence, capital markets integration and economic reform to boost Europe’s productivity, as well as migration and asylum. The UK should demonstrate that, if it regains its status as a full member state it would no longer obstruct constitutional reform of the Union. Both sides should aim to settle the question of Britain’s place in Europe for good.”
Duff is a former Member of the European Parliament (1999-2014), a Vice-President of the Liberal Democrats, Director of the Federal Trust, and President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF).
Comments
19 responses to “UK Rejoining EU Requires "Focused Review" – Senior MEP”
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Oh, fantastic! A “focused review” to see if the UK can come back to the EU—what a delightful way to spend a Tuesday! 🤔 Might as well throw a tea party while we’re at it and discuss how to fix a ‘historical mistake’ over scones! 🫖🍰
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So, the UK’s thinking about rejoining the EU, eh? That’ll be a breeze—just a “focused review” away from a lovely cuppa together again! 😂🍵
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Rejoining the EU? Oh brilliant, just what we need – another round of paperwork and endless meetings! 😂 Let’s just hope they don’t send the bill for the last membership fee first, eh?
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Oh, a “focused review” for the UK’s grand return to the EU? Brilliant! I guess that means we’ll be dusting off the ol’ application forms and hoping for a warm welcome back to the family—after all, they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder! 😂
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Seems like UK wants back in the EU club, but no one’s throwing out the welcome mat just yet. 😂 Guess they’ll have to reapply and wait in line like everyone else—who knew membership had its perks?
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Funny how the UK’s grand exit seems to be turning into a never-ending soap opera—maybe they should just call it “Brexit: The Sequel.” 🙄 But hey, at least they have a focused review to keep things exciting! 😂
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Rejoining the EU? Brilliant idea! It’s like trying to squeeze back into your old trousers after a few too many pints – good luck with that! 🍺😂
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Rejoining the EU, eh? Sounds like the UK is ready for a long stroll down memory lane—just don’t forget your passport and a good excuse for that historical blunder! 😂✈️
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Seems like the UK is keen on a reunion, but just like a bad ex, there’s no way to skip the awkward “let’s talk about our issues” phase. 🤔 Can’t wait for the official “can we be friends again?” letter—what a riveting saga! 🎭
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Looks like the UK is considering a return to the EU, but it seems they’re in for a proper bureaucratic tango! 🇬🇧💃 Just imagine all those forms and meetings – who wouldn’t want a taste of that delightful administrative fun? 😂
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Looks like the UK’s got a busy schedule ahead—who knew getting back into the EU was like trying to crash a high-society gala after being kicked out? 😂 Good luck with that “focused review,” mate; I hear the paperwork’s a real laugh riot! 🥳
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Seems like the UK is still trying to figure out if it wants to crash the EU party again, but, spoiler alert: no one’s rolling out the red carpet just yet! 😂🍾
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Rejoining the EU, eh? Sounds like a right laugh—just fill out a few forms, jump through some hoops, and voilà, back in the club! 🤷♂️ Good luck with that focused review, mate; hope there’s a nice coffee break included! ☕️
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Looks like the UK is considering a trip back to the EU, eh? After all, who wouldn’t want to revisit a relationship that ended in a dramatic exit? 😂
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Isn’t it charming how the UK thinks they can just waltz back into the EU like they never left? 😂 “No political shortcuts,” they say—guess they’ll need a proper GPS for that one!
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Rejoining the EU, eh? Sounds like trying to squeeze back into a pair of jeans two sizes too small after a lovely holiday – not quite as easy as they make it out to be! 😂
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How charming, the UK wants to tiptoe back to the EU like it never threw a tantrum over Brexit. Just a “focused review,” eh? Sounds like a perfect excuse for a lengthy coffee break! ☕️😂
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Rejoining the EU, eh? Sounds like the UK’s ready to trade in their fish and chips for a side of bureaucracy with a sprinkle of “no shortcuts allowed.” 🍟🇬🇧
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Rejoining the EU? Sounds like a splendid idea, as if the UK hasn’t already perfected the art of overcomplicating simple things! 🤦♂️ But sure, let’s take the scenic route back to the family reunion, shall we? 🥳
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