A senior European Parliament member has suggested that the United Kingdom could rejoin the European Union within a matter of months by adopting a “Switzerland plus” style agreement. This proposal comes amid renewed interest from UK political figures, including Andy Burnham, in strengthening ties with the EU.

Bernard Lange, a German MEP who played a role in the initial Brexit negotiations, expressed support for the UK’s potential return to the bloc. Speaking to a media outlet, Lange highlighted Switzerland’s unique relationship with the EU as a possible model for the UK. Switzerland, while not a full EU member, maintains a series of bilateral agreements that grant it access to certain aspects of the single market without full membership obligations.

Under this “Switzerland plus” framework, the UK would negotiate a tailored agreement that falls short of full membership but offers more integrated economic and regulatory cooperation than current arrangements. Lange emphasized that such a deal could be reached relatively quickly compared to traditional accession processes, paving the way for the UK’s reintegration into European structures within a short timeframe.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has publicly advocated for closer post-Brexit relations with the EU, arguing that stronger engagement could benefit the UK economy and regional development. The discussion around a potential “Switzerland plus” type deal reflects ongoing debates within the UK about how best to manage future relations with the EU amidst political and economic pressures.

Supporters of this approach argue it provides a pragmatic path forward that balances the UK’s desire for sovereignty with the advantages of strong economic ties to the EU. However, some critics caution that such arrangements might limit the UK’s ability to independently set policies and could create complexities similar to those experienced by non-member states with partial access agreements.

As the UK government and EU continue to navigate post-Brexit relations, the concept of a “Switzerland plus” deal adds another dimension to the discussion over how the two sides might deepen cooperation without full membership. The feasibility and political will to pursue such a deal remain key factors in determining whether the UK could indeed rejoin or closely associate with the European Union in the near future.