UK's potential return to EU: Romanian researcher analyzes political hurdles

The prospect of the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union, though a sensitive subject, is generating discussion within the EU and among member states like Romania. A Romanian researcher based in London offers insights into the political obstacles and realistic timelines for such a scenario.

While some British politicians, including former Labour leader Keir Starmer and potentially current Prime Minister Andy Burnham, have expressed regret over Brexit and a desire for a "special relationship" with the EU, a significant shift towards reintegration is not imminent. Cristian Nițoiu, a political scientist and researcher at Loughborough University London, explains that a critical mass of public support for rejoining the EU does not currently exist in the UK.

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For now, it's more whispered in corners, but in the major European chancellories, discussions are underway about the chances of seeing Great Britain in the EU again one day, recreating the 'triangle' with France and Germany, if not a square that includes Poland.

Nițoiu points to the deep polarization within the UK following the Brexit referendum, with a strong nationalist and euroskeptic sentiment represented by parties like Reform and Restore. These groups actively criticize any suggestions of closer ties with the EU, particularly in conservative media outlets. Consequently, organizing a new referendum on the UK's relationship with the EU appears unlikely in the near future.

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For now, I don't think there is a critical mass, because a large part of the population still looks at the Brexit referendum as an expression of democracy and the country is largely polarized at the moment.

Despite the absence of immediate prospects for full membership, there are signs of a gradual rapprochement. The Labour Party, under previous leadership, had already taken steps to reintegrate the UK into certain EU structures, particularly in areas like research collaboration. Nițoiu suggests that while a full return is a distant possibility, a "privileged relationship" or a closer alignment with the EU market and its structures could be a more achievable goal in the medium term.

The researcher highlights that the political landscape in the UK remains complex, with euroskeptic factions holding considerable influence. Any move towards closer EU integration would likely face strong opposition. Therefore, while the idea of the UK returning to the European family is not entirely dismissed, it is a long-term prospect contingent on significant political and public opinion shifts within Britain.

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But a rapprochement and the rebuilding of a privileged relationship between the European Union and Great Britain? The Labour government, previously led by Keir Starmer, has taken very important steps to reintegrate Great Britain into certain EU structures.