UK could keep special pre-Brexit terms if it rejoined EU, Michel Barnier says
Summary
Michel Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, said the UK could keep some special agreements if it rejoined the European Union, such as keeping the pound and staying out of the passport-free Schengen area. He also said that although the UK left the EU, it might still negotiate to keep or regain these opt-outs, and that rejoining the EU would be open to negotiation.Key Facts
- Michel Barnier said the UK could keep the pound and stay outside the Schengen passport-free travel area if it rejoined the EU.
- There are existing EU member states with opt-outs from the euro currency and Schengen area, such as Denmark and Ireland.
- New EU members are normally required to join the euro and Schengen once they meet certain conditions, but the UK might negotiate exceptions.
- Barnier declined to comment on whether the UK could keep its previous budget rebate negotiated by Margaret Thatcher.
- Barnier believes Brexit has made UK problems like economic growth and immigration more difficult, though not the sole cause.
- UK-EU "reset" talks to improve relations are planned for July 22 after several delays.
- Some EU diplomats have warned that progress in UK-EU talks is slowing.
- Barnier will attend a conference in London marking 10 years since the Brexit vote.
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