Can Britain Rejoin the European Union After Brexit?

Since Britain left the European Union (EU) in 2020, many have wondered if the UK could rejoin the bloc. This article explores the challenges and possibilities of Britain rejoining the EU, examining the legal and political hurdles as well as the potential economic and social impacts.

Challenges to Rejoining the EU

The idea of Britain rejoining the EU after Brexit faces several significant challenges. Firstly, the EU has a strict process for admitting new members. According to Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, a country can only join if it is a European state that respects the principles laid down by the Treaty on European Union, and that has established a stable democratic system. This means that the UK would have to meet these criteria, which include commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Secondly, the UK leaving and rejoining the EU would be politically and symbolically challenging. The UK went through a long and contentious Brexit process that left many divided. Rejoining would signal a significant shift in the UK’s political and economic landscape, and it would not be a simple process.

Legal and Political Hurdles

Legally, the UK would need to apply for rejoining the EU, just as any other country. The process would require unanimous agreement from all current EU member states, which makes it highly unlikely in the current political climate. As of now, the current European Commission and member states are focused on pressing global and domestic issues, such as democratic stability in the Balkans, Poland, and Hungary.

Politically, the UK would face significant hurdles. The tabloid media and certain government figures have been keen to maintain a negative narrative about the EU, which would make it difficult to change public opinion. Furthermore, the EU would need to be confident that the UK would not continue to flip-flop on its commitment to membership and trade. This would take time and potentially even a change in the governing party and the voting system to demonstrate stability.

Post-Brexit Economic and Social Impacts

Economically, the UK’s rejoining the EU would be a long and arduous process. The UK has adopted some policies and regulations that are not in line with the EU framework, and it would need to align itself with EU standards. For instance, the UK may have to adopt the euro, although this is a non-trivial task given the concerns of the British public.

Socially, the impact of rejoining the EU would be significant for citizens. The long process of rejoining could lead to economic instability, as uncertainty about the future of trade and regulations affects businesses and consumers. It would be crucial for the UK to maintain stability and transparency during this period to keep morale high and avoid economic turmoil.

Conclusion

While the concept of Britain rejoining the EU is intriguing, the reality is that it is highly improbable in the near future. The legal and political barriers are significant, and it would take a generation to create a political climate in the UK that is supportive of rejoining the EU. The process would be long, complex, and potentially very difficult for citizens and businesses.

However, the possibility of rejoining the EU is not an entirely non-topic. It is an issue that could arise if the UK were to demonstrate a stable and coherent approach to membership and trade, and if the EU were to gain confidence in the UK’s commitment. Until then, the focus should remain on understanding the true impacts of Brexit and rebuilding trust both domestically and with the EU.