Michel Barnier, the European Union’s former chief negotiator for Brexit, has suggested that the United Kingdom could potentially rejoin the EU on special terms similar to those it previously held. In interviews ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, Barnier indicated that Britain might retain key opt-outs, such as keeping the pound sterling instead of adopting the euro and remaining outside the Schengen passport-free travel area, if it chose to seek membership again.

Barnier’s comments challenge recent assertions from some European officials, including Poland’s foreign minister, who have suggested that the UK might face more stringent conditions upon attempting to re-enter the EU. He cited precedents within the bloc, noting that several member states currently do not participate in all aspects of the union—five countries that joined since 2004 have not adopted the euro, and Ireland remains outside Schengen under an official opt-out. “It is perfectly possible to have opt-outs in these fields,” Barnier said, highlighting existing diversity in members’ integration levels.

However, Barnier refrained from commenting on whether the UK could regain the budget rebate secured by Margaret Thatcher, emphasizing the EU’s principle of solidarity, where wealthier countries help others. He stated that any future British membership application would be subject to negotiation and that he was prepared to offer advice if such talks commenced.

Barnier, who served as French prime minister in 2024 and has remained an influential figure in EU politics, will attend a UK in a Changing Europe conference in London this week to mark the decade since the Brexit vote. This follows an announcement that the next round of UK-EU "reset" talks will resume in Brussels on July 22 after several delays. Senior EU diplomats have expressed concern that negotiations are losing momentum, citing disagreements such as the UK’s reluctance to restore lower pre-Brexit tuition fees for EU students as part of a youth exchange deal.

Reflecting on Brexit’s impact, Barnier expressed continued conviction that leaving the EU was a mistake for the UK. He highlighted ongoing economic challenges and a divisive immigration debate, stating, “It would not be fair to say that the problems of the UK today are due to Brexit, but... all these problems are more difficult because of Brexit.” Barnier also noted the limitations of Britain’s current arrangements with the EU, particularly due to the UK’s rejection of free movement of people, which makes closer economic integration difficult.

Addressing political dynamics within France, where a far-right candidate may soon challenge President Emmanuel Macron, Barnier said the EU cannot afford to ease rules in ways that empower nationalist forces. “Never give any argument to the far right in France or elsewhere,” he emphasized when asked about the possibility of enhanced UK-EU trade without free movement.

On the broader outlook for UK-EU relations, Barnier said he was uncertain whether the UK would rejoin the union during his lifetime but suggested growing awareness among the British public of the benefits of EU membership amid increasing global instability. Recent polling indicates that 57% of Britons now believe leaving the EU was a mistake, and while 55% support rejoining the bloc, this figure falls to 35% if the UK loses its previous opt-outs.

Barnier also proposed the creation of a new European council for defence and security that would include the UK, Ukraine, Norway, and other countries. This body would facilitate cooperation on military initiatives and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, operating independently from existing EU institutions.