top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

President Macron offers Brexit advice to UK

President Macron had a suggestion for the UK when he spoke in front of the European Parliament today – ‘it’s called EU membership’.

During a three-hour debate about his ideas for the future of the EU, Mr Macron said: “You’ve asked me about Brexit and I have a very direct reply about the position that France will have towards the UK and the post-Brexit situation.

“I am for a relationship that is the most integrated as possible, the closest… and there is a solution – you know it well – it’s EU membership.

“That’s the one also that allows for good access to the single market, which allows for access to freedoms, and really good integration.”

He said friendship with the UK was very important to him, but there could be no cherry-picking when it came to the single market and its freedoms.

Mr Macron was appearing to speak about and answer questions on his ideas about EU reform, with his keyword being what he called ‘European sovereignty’. He said it was necessary to organise wide-ranging debates in the member states in the coming months about the EU’s future, warning that it was important to strengthen ‘European democracy’ in the face of tendencies towards ‘authoritarianism’ and ‘selfish nationalism’.

He was warmly welcomed by EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker who said “the real France is back”, and received a standing ovation at the end of the debate – despite dissenting voices including from the far-left with regard France’s military action in Syria, and from eurosceptics.

The Front National’s Florian Philippot said he wanted a ‘Frexit’ referendum, adding: “Our nations are brilliant civilisations and we’ll always be much better than any European treaty, so let us leave the European Union and enter into the world.”

We will have more about the debate and Mr Macron’s ideas for EU reform in the May edition, out next week.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France