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Barnier says UK could rejoin EU without euro, but with free movement
Former EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the UK could start talks to rejoin the EU without committing to adopt the euro. His comments challenge Nigel Farage’s claim that rejoining would require the UK to join the single currency.
Barnier said the EU would not allow the UK to pick and choose its access to the single market: free movement would remain a condition. Although new EU members are legally expected to join the euro area, six of the 27 current members do not use the euro, and Denmark has a formal opt-out.
In short
- Barnier said euro membership need not be a condition of rejoining talks.
- The EU would insist on free movement and single-market rules.
- Six current EU members do not use the euro.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Allowing the UK to rejoin without adopting the euro could make membership more politically and economically workable, while still accepting the obligations that come with the single market. Requiring free movement would preserve a core principle of EU membership and avoid offering the UK a special, pick-and-choose arrangement.
The case against
Rejoining without a clear commitment to the euro could leave the UK with an ambiguous long-term settlement, since new members are generally expected to adopt the currency. Requiring free movement may also be a substantial political and practical cost, and some may argue that membership should not be pursued unless the UK is ready to accept the full set of obligations.
Europe Geopolitics Politics UK World
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Originally published by The Guardian as “UK can avoid euro but must accept free movement to rejoin EU, says former top Brexit negotiator – UK politics live”.