UK must axe the pound if it wants to rejoin Brussels

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 10, 2026

A senior European Parliament official stated that the UK would have to adopt the euro and meet key EU regulations, including free movement and defense commitments, to rejoin the European Union. This highlights the significant political and economic challenges the UK faces in reversing Brexit amid divided domestic opinions and stringent accession requirements.

A senior European Parliament official has suggested that the United Kingdom would need to abandon the pound and adopt the euro as a condition for rejoining the European Union. Sandro Gozi, who represents France within the Renew Europe group and previously served as Italy’s Europe minister, outlined these terms while expressing support for a closer integration of the UK within the EU framework.

Gozi described Brexit as a “democratic disaster” and suggested that reversing the 2016 referendum result would represent “the biggest victory for us over Nigel Farage.” He emphasized that any UK accession would require compliance with key EU regulations, including the free movement of people, a commitment to collective defense efforts, and increased financial contributions to the Union.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly expressed a desire to see the UK rejoin the EU during his lifetime. However, any move to re-enter the bloc would necessitate unanimous agreement from the current 27 member states. According to EU accession rules, new member states are required to adopt the euro once they meet certain economic criteria, meaning the UK would likely be expected to relinquish its currency.

Anand Menon, director of the UK In A Changing Europe think tank, noted that while the EU would welcome the UK’s return, it would be on terms favorable to the Union’s interests. He said, “It is absolutely true that the EU would like us back in, but they will seek the best possible deal for themselves in achieving that.”

Within the UK political landscape, enthusiasm for EU membership remains divided. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith criticized Burnham’s pro-EU stance, arguing that by openly supporting EU integration, the Prime Minister undermines the UK’s negotiating position. Griffith warned that the British public would be unlikely to accept surrendering control over the currency, immigration policy, and legislative sovereignty.

Gozi also advocated for the UK’s involvement in the EU’s ongoing defense initiatives, referencing calls from the Spanish Prime Minister and the European Commission’s defense commissioner for the establishment of a 100,000-strong European army. He encouraged Burnham to contribute to this collective security effort, describing it as an “army of Europeans.”

Officials in Downing Street declined to comment on these proposals. The debate reflects ongoing tensions between aspirations for reintegration and the complex political realities both within the UK and the EU.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.