Spain says it would welcome UK back into European Union
By Molly Grace • Published: 31 Jan 2026 • 21:17 • 3 minutes read
Sánchez has consistently positioned his government as strongly pro-European. Photo credit: La Moncloa.gob.es
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said his government would welcome the United Kingdom back into the European Union, marking a notable softening of tone in post-Brexit relations and highlighting growing openness among some EU leaders to renewed British membership.
Speaking in an interview with a British political magazine The New Statesman, Sánchez said Spain “misses” the UK as part of the European project and would support its return should the country decide to pursue EU membership again. His remarks reflect a broader reassessment of UK-EU relations as both sides seek greater cooperation amid economic pressures, geopolitical instability and shared security concerns.
The comments come against the backdrop of improving diplomatic relations between Madrid and London following years of tension after the UK formally left the EU in 2020. One of the most significant breakthroughs was the resolution of disputes surrounding Gibraltar, the British overseas territory that had long been a source of friction. A comprehensive agreement reached in 2025 between Spain, the UK and the European Union removed regulatory uncertainty for the territory and eased cross-border movement, helping to normalise relations.
Reset in UK–Spain Relations
The easing of tensions has allowed both governments to focus on rebuilding cooperation across a range of policy areas. In late 2025, Sánchez and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in London to formalise a new bilateral framework aimed at strengthening collaboration on climate policy, security, justice and sustainable economic development.
Spanish officials have described the agreement as a reset in relations, signalling a move away from the confrontational dynamics that characterised the immediate post-Brexit period. The improved atmosphere has also created space for more open discussion about the long-term future of UK-EU ties.
Although Spain’s support for a potential UK return to the EU does not represent an official accession process, it is politically significant. Any future UK application would require unanimous approval from all EU member states, making expressions of goodwill from large countries such as Spain particularly relevant.
Spain’s Pro-European Stance
Sánchez has consistently positioned his government as strongly pro-European, frequently emphasising the economic, political and social benefits Spain has derived from EU membership since joining in the 1980s. His comments on the UK align with a broader vision of European unity, particularly at a time when the bloc faces external pressures ranging from global competition to regional security threats.
The Spanish government has argued that a strong, cohesive EU is better equipped to respond to challenges such as climate change, technological transformation and international instability. Within this framework, Sánchez has suggested that the UK’s absence is felt, given its economic weight, diplomatic influence and historical role in European affairs.
UK Government Position
In the UK, the Labour government under Prime Minister Starmer has pursued a policy of improving relations with the EU while stopping short of advocating re-entry. Starmer has focused on reducing trade barriers, rebuilding trust with European partners and strengthening cooperation in areas such as defence, research and education.
As part of this approach, the UK has taken steps to re-engage with selected EU programmes, including plans to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange scheme later in the decade. These moves have been framed as practical measures to benefit citizens and businesses rather than steps toward full membership.
Starmer has repeatedly stated that rejoining the EU is not currently government policy, reflecting the political sensitivity of the issue domestically. However, the emphasis on closer alignment has fuelled speculation about whether the UK’s long-term relationship with the bloc could evolve further.
Shifting Public Opinion
Public opinion across Europe has shown increasing openness to the idea of the UK returning to the EU. Surveys conducted in several major member states indicate that large majorities would support British re-entry, though many respondents believe it should occur under revised terms rather than restoring previous opt-outs.
In the UK, attitudes towards Brexit have also shifted over time. Polling has suggested a growing proportion of the public believes leaving the EU was a mistake, although there remains no clear consensus on the next steps or appetite for reopening the divisive referendum debate in the short term.
Outlook
While the prospect of the UK rejoining the European Union remains distant and would involve complex legal and political negotiations, Spain’s public endorsement underscores a changing mood within parts of Europe. Sánchez’s remarks highlight an emerging willingness to look beyond the immediate aftermath of Brexit and consider longer-term possibilities for renewed integration.
Whether this sentiment gains wider traction among EU leaders or translates into political momentum within the UK remains uncertain. For now, Spain’s position signals a notable shift in tone and adds a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about the future of UK-EU relations.
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Molly Grace
Molly is a British journalist and author who has lived in Spain for over 25 years. With a background in animal welfare, equestrian science, and veterinary nursing, she brings curiosity, humour, and a sharp investigative eye to her work. At Euro Weekly News, Molly explores the intersections of nature, culture, and community - drawing on her deep local knowledge and passion for stories that reflect life in Spain from the ground up.
Comments
Philip
01 February 2026 • 10:06Common Market – Yes. EU – No.
Brian
01 February 2026 • 16:00ABSOLUTELY!!
Chris bennett
01 February 2026 • 14:35Eu be good but not under a shirty labour government going no were fast g h u
Andy C
01 February 2026 • 21:24I’m sure a “shirty” Labour government could make a better job of it than Boris Johnson!
Stephen Heaton
01 February 2026 • 17:52Spanish passport holders can stay in uk for up to 6 months with no visa
British passport holders can stay in Spain for 90 days
SORT THIS OUT FIRST…EQUALITY
Andy Crowe
01 February 2026 • 21:22Agree – if Prime Minister Sanchez wants to make a simple message of goodwill then replacing the 90 day rule with a 180 – or more – rule would make a lot of Brits happier. And spending more money in Spain!
Hughes Pauline
02 February 2026 • 15:11AGREE TOTALLY. !! 90 DAYS IS NOT ENOUGH.
David Brock
03 February 2026 • 11:33It’s a European regulation, not a Spanish one. The same rule applies across the whole EU.
M
02 February 2026 • 10:09I hope that a referendum may be possible for the UK if it is part of a manifesto pledge from a party willing to set this in motion again. We will watch and wait for the right party to be brave.
Lin Parkinson
03 February 2026 • 08:38Sorry but you only want to be in the EU because it makes it easier for you to travel to Spain. How sad is that. The EU is a very dangerous and anti democratic organisation. It is about power and corruption. And glad to say imploding. The ´´Common Market´´ served its purpose and was better for all European people but selfish is selfish eh?
Steve B
02 February 2026 • 16:35Bring it on. If it were to happen (I don’t see it) I’d move over permanently now and not have to wait until I retire.
I really don’t understand this 90/180. It’s not like we’re dole scroungers costing the country money. In fact, we bring it with us and benefit their economy.
Mjef
03 February 2026 • 06:09ONLY Because Spain has 500,000 immigrants to send to UK.
UK Capitulated over Gibraltar meaning there is no reason to go there now tobacco and sorority and food taxes are the same as Spains
John
03 February 2026 • 09:38We Brits & ex-pat Brits were not given a referendum to join the eu, instead we were told we did not understand the integration into the eu by the Tory govt. of the year. Other countries were allowed to vote but if “no” were told to vote again with a “yes” vote. How undemocratic was that to show that the Commissioners were unelected autocrats by the public ? It was the politicising of everything in the eu over & above the enough is enough of common market trade between Britain & Europe turning into federalised states, some dependent on the richer countries contributing to the eu’s economy where they were the non-contributing spongers, i.e. their economies were not converging altogether for the cause of imploding the eu 15 years ago. Beware of the Lisbon Agreement of 2010 about joining / rejoining the eu. No more £GBP, all Euros. Various other rules stricter than before to punish the idea of exiting the “club”. Not in my living years & many others.
Dr. Paul Gordon
07 February 2026 • 17:15Brexit was and is an enormous mistake!
Bad for the British economy and British businesses. We were sold a lie by politicians who were lobbied by foreign powers. Brexit is simply against the national interest and it’s time to rejoin the single market.
Comments are closed.