Macron Says Britain Would Be Welcome Back

Macron strongly welcomed the possibility of the United Kingdom returning to the European Union.

“Welcome back, if the British want to return.”

Macron said Britain had historically been a demanding partner but that France and the UK had continued cooperating on defense, security, immigration and other strategic issues after Brexit.

He said a British move toward renewed EU membership would be positive for both Britain and Europe.

The comments followed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's suggestion that returning to the EU could eventually be considered as part of a broader review of Britain's relationship with Europe.

Macron Says EU Freedoms Cannot Be Chosen Individually

Macron also emphasized that closer relations with the EU would involve accepting the bloc's broader rules.

He argued that Britain cannot simply select the freedoms and advantages it wants while rejecting others.

His comments reflect a central issue in discussions about any future UK-EU relationship: whether Britain would seek closer economic integration while remaining outside the EU, or eventually consider full membership.

No decision has been made for Britain to rejoin the European Union.

Sánchez Says Spain Would Welcome Britain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed support for closer British-European relations.

Sánchez described Brexit as a major loss for both Britain and the European project and said Spain would welcome Britain back into the EU.

He said Spain would once again “open its arms” to the United Kingdom if Britain chose that direction.

The comments represent the positions of the French and Spanish governments and do not constitute an EU decision on British membership.

Macron: Europe Should Stay Engaged With China

Macron also addressed Europe's relationship with China.

He said France does not believe Europe should enter a trade war with Beijing or completely cut economic ties.

Macron pointed to European companies operating in China and said Europe also needs access to technological innovations.

He described the approach as strategic engagement combined with protection of European interests.

France and Spain have also discussed strengthening Europe's trade defenses against Chinese competition, particularly in strategic industries.

France and Spain Discuss Peace and International Law

Sánchez said France and Spain were working together on issues including peace, justice and respect for international law.

He referred to the conflicts and diplomatic challenges involving Iran, Palestine, Ukraine and Lebanon.

Sánchez also credited Macron with supporting international recognition of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, saying the issue had continued to receive attention at the latest United Nations General Assembly.

These comments reflect Sánchez's assessment of the two countries' diplomatic positions.

Macron Condemns Antisemitism

Macron also addressed antisemitism, describing the fight against it as a priority for the French Republic.

He said France would not accept antisemitic remarks.

The French president's comments came as European governments continue to debate antisemitism, security and tensions surrounding the war in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

Macron Supports Spain During Ceuta Migration Crisis

Migration was another major issue during Macron's visit.

Macron expressed solidarity with Spain following the large-scale migration crisis in Ceuta, the Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast.

He said Spain had faced an attack and argued that European countries should show solidarity when one member faces uncontrolled migration movements.

Macron said France's assessment indicated that the episode involved multiple elements, including what he described as information attacks.

The July 2026 crisis involved more than 70,000 unauthorized crossings into Ceuta, according to a UK House of Commons Library briefing. Spanish authorities subsequently reported that the overwhelming majority had returned to Morocco.

Macron Calls for Stronger European Border Protection

Macron said Europe should develop stronger solutions to protect its common external borders while respecting EU law and European values.

He emphasized what he described as a balance between responsibility and solidarity among European countries.

Macron also called for continued cooperation with countries of origin and transit to facilitate returns and manage migration.

Sánchez Calls for European Solidarity

Sánchez has argued that Spain should not have to manage the consequences of the Ceuta crisis alone.

The Spanish government has sought greater European involvement in dealing with the consequences of the mass crossings.

The UK government has also said it is monitoring the situation and working with Spanish and Moroccan authorities. In a September 8 parliamentary response, the British government said more than 97% of those who crossed into Ceuta had returned to Morocco and that it had found no evidence that the incident created a new migration route into the UK.

France and Spain Seek Closer Cooperation

Macron's visit highlighted cooperation between France and Spain on European security, migration, economic policy and international affairs.

Both governments emphasized the need for European countries to work together on external borders while maintaining cooperation with countries outside the bloc.

Their discussions also showed differences and debates within Europe over how to manage relations with China and how closely Britain could eventually reconnect with the EU.

Key Points

  • Macron said Britain would be welcome if it chose to return to the European Union.
  • Sánchez said Spain would welcome Britain back with “open arms.”
  • Macron said Britain cannot selectively choose individual EU freedoms.
  • Britain has not decided to rejoin the EU.
  • Macron said Europe should maintain strategic engagement with China rather than completely cut economic ties.
  • France and Spain also support stronger European defenses against unfair trade competition.
  • Sánchez discussed cooperation with France on Iran, Palestine, Ukraine and Lebanon.
  • Macron called the fight against antisemitism a priority.
  • Macron expressed solidarity with Spain over the Ceuta migration crisis.
  • He called for stronger protection of Europe's external borders while respecting EU law.
  • More than 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta during the July crisis, according to the UK House of Commons Library.
  • The UK government said more than 97% had subsequently returned to Morocco.

Source

This article is based on remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during their joint appearance in Madrid on September 30, 2026.