UK bid to rejoin EU likely to be welcomed by France, say experts

France would be likely to welcome a British bid to rejoin the European Union, French experts have told The Connexion – although negotiating the terms of a return could prove challenging.

Their assessment echoes President Emmanuel Macron’s “welcome back” reply to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham opening the door to rejoining. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has also urged Britain to “come all the way back”.

A return, though unlikely in the short term, would have major implications for Britons living in France or owning second homes here, restoring freedom of movement and removing the 90-day limit on visits, depending on the model that is agreed. 

The next significant opportunity to clarify Britain’s ambitions will be at the second UK-EU summit in Brussels on November 20.

Christian Lequesne, professor of political science at Sciences Po, one of the EU’s leading universities for politics, said a return would be welcomed. It would bring closer defence cooperation and help restore a balance with Germany within the EU, he explained.

He doubted any EU country would oppose British accession on principle, although some might seek concessions, particularly on fishing. 

“On the whole, everyone has viewed Brexit with regret,” he said.

He suggested negotiations could take six months to a year if the political will was there.

Cambridge EU law professor Catherine Barnard warned that rejoining would require fresh terms, agreement by all 27 EU states, and national ratifications, potentially including a referendum in France. 

“I don’t see any mainstream French government being against the UK rejoining.” However, Britain should not expect to regain its former exemptions automatically, said Pauline Schnapper, professor of contemporary British studies at Sorbonne Nouvelle university.

Britain could 'go all the way'

The renewed debate follows Mr Burnham’s declaration at Labour’s September conference that Brexit has done “more harm than good”. 

He later said Britain could “go all the way” back into the EU, while also considering a customs union or single-market participation.

For readers, single market membership would bring restored freedom of movement, making it easier to move to France, work here and spend extended periods in the country. It would also allow onward freedom of movement to other EU countries.

Full EU membership would in addition restore EU citizenship, including the right for Britons in France to vote in municipal and EU elections.

In the EU, or just the single market, British second-home owners could visit without the 90/180-day limit, or visas for longer stays. British visitors would be able to use EU passport lanes and would fall outside the EES and ETIAS border systems.

This article will be updated in due course with links to more detailed interviews with these and other experts.