Would Britain Face Humiliation Returning to the European Union?

The question of whether the United Kingdom will hold another referendum on leaving the European Union or remain has been a topic of intense debate. However, before diving into this issue, two critical questions deserve thorough consideration. First, what would the rules of membership be if Britain returned to the EU? Second, would EU countries welcome Britain back?

Reintegration under EU Rules

Many British citizens believe that returning to the EU would recreate the situation before Brexit. However, this view is fundamentally flawed. If Britain were to rejoin the EU, it would become a new member, subject to all EU common policies. This means adopting policies such as the Schengen agreement, adopting the euro (if applicable), and contributing to the EU budget proportional to its economic strength.

This arrangement would significantly differ from the previous situation. The United Kingdom would no longer receive preferential treatment regarding EU decision-making. Each country, including Britain, would contribute based on its financial capabilities. This move could be seen as a step towards equality and compliance with EU standards.

EU Countries' Perspective on Reintegration

The sentiment among EU countries regarding Britain's reintegration is mixed. Several countries are satisfied not to be subject to repeated British blockages. Since Brexit, several policies have been implemented that would have been vetoed by London. For instance, the United Kingdom's objections to certain tobacco advertising bans and environmental regulations have been nullified.

Spain, in particular, is reluctant about Britain's return due to the ongoing dispute over Gibraltar. Even if this issue were resolved, it's uncertain whether EU countries would be willing to invest significant time and effort into re-admitting a country that might again leave after a few years. The process of reintegrating could take years, and there's no guarantee that Britain would stay.

Will Britain Face Humiliation?

The scenario of Britain rejoining the EU can be likened to an employee leaving a company but questioning the management decision. After leaving, the employee seeks to return to the same company, only to be met with skepticism and a loss of previous advantages.

In this context, rejoining the EU would be akin to taking a standard position without any of the previous advantages. The employee (in this case, Britain) would also be seen as unreliable by the other employees (other EU countries). This perception could be humiliating for Britain and damaging to its reputation within the EU.

Considering the likelihood of years of negotiation and the uncertainty of Britain's long-term commitment, it is reasonable to conclude that Europe would be reluctant to welcome the UK back for many years to come. The experience of reintegrating, even if possible, might indeed be seen as a form of humiliation for Britain.

Therefore, while the idea of another referendum on Brexit remains enticing, the practicalities and the potential consequences of such a decision make it a complex and far-reaching issue. Britain would need to be prepared for both the challenges and the potential humiliation of reintegrating into the European Union.